Proton Competition’s Ford Mustang LMGT3 faced early challenges in Qatar, with a pre-event fire impacting preparations. Despite this, the team demonstrated resilience during the race, with Tuck performing well before tire issues and Sousa encountering technical difficulties. The sister #88 Mustang achieved a top-ten finish, setting the stage for future races, including the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola.
Proton Competition’s Ford Mustang LMGT3 exhibited remarkable performance in Qatar last month, despite the team feeling disappointed overall. As they embarked on their second season in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s LMGT3 category, the team’s preparation faced challenges when their 77 entry, driven by Ben Tuck, suffered a fire during a pre-event session, necessitating urgent repairs.
Following extensive efforts, the car returned to compete in Free Practice 1, with Bernardo Sousa qualifying it in 16th on the grid among 18 leading competitors. During the Qatar 1812km race, the 77 Mustang impressively rose to second in-class, aided by an efficient pit-stop that positioned Tuck at the front, where he initially excelled against formidable rivals until tire issues led to a loss of position.
Tuck reflected on his debut by acknowledging the competitive spirit, stating, “Bernardo made a great start, and everything was going really smoothly. I 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 showcased its strength, with Stefano Gattuso qualifying impressively in the top ten and the team achieving a tenth-place finish during the race.
Proton Competition is determined to build on these performances as they prepare for the next round at the 6 Hours of Imola in Italy, scheduled for April 18-20.
In conclusion, Proton Competition faced significant challenges during their performance in Qatar but showcased resilience and potential. The efforts of Ben Tuck and Bernardo Sousa in the #77 Mustang were commendable, demonstrating skill despite setbacks. The team is optimistic as they look forward to improving their standings in the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola.
Original Source: www.fiawec.com
