Datum: 13.06.2009 · Le Mans Series
Podium for Pierre Ehret in Ferrari at 1000km-Race of Spa
Together with his teammate Dominik Farnbacher, Ehret started at the 1000km of Spa in the team of Farnbacher Racing. After he already reached rank four at the opening round at Barcelona, Ehret was aiming for another success.
In qualifying one had a small problem. A part of the suspension of the rear axle got loose, which prevented the duo from getting to the limit on the highspeed track. Yet one reached the fourth starting row with position eight. “A result which was OK for us and which left us all chances for the long distance race over six hours”, Ehret stated.
The start of the race on the 7,001 kilometres long circuit was on Sunday noon. Ehret was the first to drive the 480 PS strong Ferrari 430 GT. He drove a solid stint, improving more and more. In the end of his turn he handed the car over to Dominik Farnbacher, being placed on position six.
Farnbacher drove a double stint and improved to place four. Then a safety car session made him lose one lap, which he was able to undo again with a brilliant team strategy.
After Ehret took over the cockpit again from Dominik he managed his race without any problems and was even able to maintain the 4th place. “The Michelin tyres were great. We could drive two hours with only one set.” Teamhead Horst Farnbacher was proud of his drivers in the end: “Pierre drove a perfect second stint which was the basis for our success.”
After Dominik Farnbacher drove the last stint he was able to defend the fourth position up to the finish line against the Spyker C8 of Tom Coronel and Peter Dumbreck. After the race the great surprise followed: The winning Porsche was disqualified, which made Ehret win one position. So he ended up reaching third place on the podium. (Text: Ralph Monschauer - motorsport-xl.de)