Proton Competition’s Mixed Results at Qatar: Challenges and Optimism

Proton Competition’s Ford Mustang LMGT3 exhibited strong performance yet faced challenges in Qatar. The team dealt with a pre-event fire incident and qualified 16th. During the race, they temporarily led the field but experienced technical setbacks. Meanwhile, the sister Mustang secured a top-ten finish. The team seeks improvement at the next event in Italy.

Proton Competition’s Ford Mustang LMGT3 had a vigorous performance in Qatar last month, yet the team departed with a mix of disappointment and optimism. This season, the German team faced challenges as their 77 vehicle, driven by Ben Tuck, caught fire during the initial pre-event ‘Prologue,’ rendering it inoperable for the duration of the test and forcing the team to work against the clock to get it ready.

After extensive efforts, the Mustang returned for FP1, where Bernardo Sousa qualified it in 16th position among 18 competitors. Remarkably, during the Qatar 1812km race, the 77 Mustang ascended to second place in-class before a pit stop propelled Tuck to lead the field temporarily. Despite a strong debut performance in the FIA WEC, Tuck eventually had to relinquish the lead due to worn tires, and a subsequent technical issue sidelined Sousa, thwarting a promising result.

Reflecting on the race, Tuck stated, “Bernardo made a great start, and everything was going really smoothly. I really enjoyed my double stint and managed to pull off some overtakes. I’m just sad for the team, as they did such a brilliant job getting the car ready for the race.”

Meanwhile, the sister 88 Mustang, driven by Stefano Gattuso and Giammarco Levorato, qualified impressively within the top ten. Their consistent effort during the race, along with Dennis Olsen of Norway, secured a tenth-place finish, demonstrating Proton Competition’s potential as they prepare for the upcoming round at the 6 Hours of Imola in Italy on April 18-20.

In conclusion, while Proton Competition faced significant challenges during the recent Qatar race, including early technical difficulties, their performance showcased resilience and potential. The team remains optimistic as they build on their experiences, particularly with Tuck’s commendable debut and the steady performance of their second entry. With the next race on the horizon, they aim to enhance their standings in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Original Source: www.fiawec.com