From almost nothing to fourth on track - a remarkable AMR debut for the Bullitt Racing team at Paul Ricard
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Having started the series Prologue test at the circuit earlier this week in the worst possible manner with a significant frontal impact with a passing LMP3 car after a spin, the immediate requests of the team were answered by the German based PROsport Racing team who were able to ship them the required spares in time for the opening timed sessions of this weekend’s race.
Having then burned the midnight oil within the #99 car’s garage and missing out of the first Free Practice, team boss and gentleman driver Stephen Pattrick was finally able to get some laps in during his bronze driver test before he then Qualified the car P7 in class and last overall within the 38-car grid.
After a clean start to todays 110-minute race, Pattrick was able to show the clear pace of the rebuilt AMR Vantage GT3 as he pestered the AF Corse Ferrari next in line. Eventually passing that car on track and a drive through penalty for a car ahead, the #99 car would circulate for the remainder of Pattrick’s drive time in an impressive P5.
Taking charge of what was only Theo Nouet’s second GT3 race, the young Frenchman quickly found himself elevated up to P2 in class and only 14 seconds behind the class leader but alas, a significantly miscalculated pit stop time saw them being served with a mighty 31 second stop and hold penalty for their troubles which would lose them over a minute on track.
Back to P4 in class with thirty minutes to go, a very spirited drive from Nouet saw him reduce the gap to the #61 Ferrari ahead of him from 7.5 seconds to just meters as the race entered into its final half lap. Taking the tow from the Ferrari, Nouet was able to pass the #61 Ferrari by the end of the Mistral Straight to take P3 in class as the cars completed the final, technical section of the race to claim their first silverware of the season.
What a better way to reward all those who worked so hard to get the #99 back on track after their earlier accident – well done all!!
UPDATE
Well, that is how it appeared to have finished on track with the fall of the chequered flag.
Upon count back by Race Control after the event however, they subsequently deemed that they race finished on the lap before Nouet overtook the Ferrari for third so hence a final P4 finish for the #99 car.
Photo credits – Team / LMC
