Beechdean AMR's european adventure continues in Austria
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Following ACO rules racing headline event at the Le mans 24Hr last month both the European Le Mans Series and its supporting GT3 Le Mans Cup return to action this weekend at the Red Bull Ring, Austria.
Having commendably 'survived' their first ever Le Mans 24Hr event, current ELMS GTE Championship leaders Beechdean AMR return to the series with their #99 V8 Vantage GTE along with their normal ELMS driving crew of Andrew Howard, Darren Turner and Alex MacDowall having fielded a different line up for the 24Hr.
Since the last ELMS race at Imola back in May, Aston Martin Racing driver Darren Turner has also been confirmed as the full season replacement for Jonny Adam who shall now only undertake AMR customer team duties and whom has since also lost out on his WEC drive with the factory team.
Having scored both a race win and a fifth place at the opening two rounds of the 2016 season Beechdean AMR hold a slender two point lead over the #56 AT Racing Ferrari 458 with a further three points to the Proton Competition Porsche in third. It is hoped that the undulating characteristics of the Austrian circuit will play into the power characteristics of the AMR V8 although the 458 can never be dismissed.
One thing for sure is that the 38 car entry will certainly make for a congested track with each of the three classes being wrapped up into the own track battle. Another big question mark for the weekend will be what the weather will bring!
As usual Free Practice and qualifying for the ELMS will be held over the Friday/Saturday respectively with start of the four hour race itself starting at 14:00hrs local.