Postby roadracer7 » May 17th, 2012, 10:45 am
Romain Dumas: the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Le Mans until ...
16/05/201212:13 - Auto News - LE MANS 24 HOURS 2012
Winner of the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps WEC at the wheel of the Audi R18 ultra, Romain Dumas discusses this week one of the main objectives of its 2012 season: the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, whose fortieth edition will be run on 19 and 20 May
After four victories (2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011) in five starts, the pilot lights will focus once again the victory. As in previous entries, Romain Dumas will defend the colors of Team Manthey. It will evolve in a Porsche 997 GT3 R he will share with Marc Lieb, Lucas Luhr and Richard Lietz, all Porsche works drivers. "One of our strengths is to have a proven car," says Roman. "We all know perfectly and I have already won this race with both Mark and Lucas. In the absence of Timo (Bernhard), Richard joined us: I know him since we were teammates several times, including the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid. Finally, the experience of Team Manthey is still a formidable asset on such an ordeal. We have all the elements to do well, but will face stiff competition. Besides the many Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Corvette or even McLaren and Ford are present! The top is just awesome and, as in past seasons, I expect a big fight. The challenge is great and the victory will be decided on details. It will be perfect at all levels. "
Before the 24 Hours of Le Mans (he had won in 2010 with Timo Bernhard and Mike Rockenfeller), where he will pilot an Audi R18 ultra, Romain Dumas is preparing to meet the 170 curves and 22 km from the legendary Nordschleife with undisguised pleasure: "I still remember my first laps on this track so special. At the time, I had gotten there with a road car and Timo gave me advice. I fell in love with this track and this race. Level of control is always a treat! As for the atmosphere, it is indescribable. Each turn on the Nordschleife is a challenge in itself. And I am eager to meet again ... " The free trials of the 24 Hours Nürburgring in 2012 will begin Thursday, May 17 at 14:30. Qualifications from 19:30 to 23:30 and on Fridays from 9:35 to 11:35 and from 18h to 18h50 for the Top 40. Start of the race Saturday, May 19 at 16:00. (According to press information Romain Dumas) Photo: 24 Hours of Nürburgring (Germany), Podium, June 26, 2011. The winners of the 2011 left to right: Timo Bernhard (to be replaced this year by the Austrian Richard Lietz), Lucas Luhr, Romain Dumas and Marc Lieb.
Porsche out for a fight