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Le Mans Series 2008
Round 3. Spa 1000 Kilometres. May 9th - 11th 2008
Qualifying Press Release. Issued May 10th 2008

RML Moves Closer to the Top

RML AD Group’s MG Lola EX265 will start from fifth in LMP2 for this weekend’s Spa 1000 Kilometres – the team’s highest grid position since the start of the year, and an indication of the ongoing progress being achieved against the determined challenge from new cars, teams and drivers in 2008.

Thomas Erdos, reigning LMP2 titleholder in the Le Mans Series alongside RML co-driver Mike Newton, had to contend with a qualifying session that was repeatedly disrupted by red flags. He maintained his composure throughout, despite the additional pressure of having to remain strapped in the cockpit while accidents were cleared away, and posted a best of 2:07.539 on his first flying lap. That was enough to secure fifth in the increasingly competitive LMP2 class, just 1.6 seconds behind Jos Verstappen in the pole-setting Van Merksteijn Porsche RS Spyder. “I did have what was potentially a much quicker lap spoiled by another car which backed off suddenly directly in front of me, but I’m still satisfied with where we are on the grid,” said Erdos. “The car’s reliable, the engine’s strong, the balance is good, and we have a good car for the race. I’m just looking forward to getting started!”

Adam Wiseberg, Motorsport Director of AD Group, was comfortable with the outcome of what had been “a very difficult session for all of us, what with the two red flags and the lengthy interruptions. That upset everyone’s rhythm, but Tommy remained focused throughout, and posted yet another excellent lap. It’s a nice feeling to have qualified nearer the front of the grid than at either of the two previous rounds.”

The time achieved today is marginally slower than Erdos posted in setting pole in 2007, when he and Mike Newton went on to finish third overall. By doing so they became the first LMP2 pairing to finish on the overall podium in Europe, beating several LMP1 entrants along the way. This year the revised regulations have added substantially to the weight of cars in the LMP2 category, and this has had a more significant impact on the hilly Ardennes circuit at Spa Francorchamps. “I don’t think we can realistically hope to repeat our success of 2007,” admitted Erdos. “The competition is so much more intense this year, not only within our own category, but across the board. Even so, we have reliability and experience in our favour, and I hope we can come through with another good result.

The 1000 kilometre race is scheduled for 143 laps, which is unlikely to last the full six hours if the current weather continues into a third sun-baked day. The start is scheduled for 12:50.

LMP2 Times - Qualifying

Pos No. Overall Team Driver Car
Time
1
34
8 Van Merksteijn M/s Van Merksteijn/Verstappen Porsche RS Spyder
2:05.841
2 33 9 Speedy Sebah Belicchi/Pompidou/Zacchia Lola B08/80 Coupé
2:05.880
3 32 12 Barazi Epsilon Barazi/Vergers/Rees Zytek 07S
2:06.349
4 27 13 Horag Racing Lienhard/Theys/Lammers Porsche RS Spyder
2:06.955
5
25
15 RML AD Group Erdos/Newton MG Lola EX264
2:07.539
6
46
16 Embassy Racing Kimber-Smith/Foster WF01 Zytek
2:08.047
7
40
17 Quifel ASM Amaral/Pla Lola B05/40 AER
2:08.224
8 31 18 Team Essex Nielsen/Elgaard Porsche RS Spyder
2:08.322
9
35
19 Saulnier Racing Ragues/Lahaye Pescarolo Judd
2:08.676
10
45
20 Embassy Racing Hughes/Kane WF01 Zytek
2:08.873
11
41
21
Trading Performance Ojeh/Gosselin/Schroyen Zytek 07S
2:11.269
12
26
23 Bruichladdich Rostan/Petersen/Lueders Radical SR9 AER
2:12.207
13
44
44 Kruse Schiller de Pourtales/Noda Lola B05/40
no time
14
37
-
WR Salini Salini/Salini/Roussel WR Zytek
DNS

There are high resolution images posted in the Spa Gallery.

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