Algarve Pro Racing and their #25 Nissan-powered Ligier JS P2 with Dunlop tyres received the chequered flag for their first ever European Le Mans Series (ELMS) race in LM P2 category at the Red Bull Ring circuit (Austria).
The 4 Hours of the Red Bull Ring were the race of all firsts and promises for Algarve Pro Racing and their drivers Michael Munemann, James Winslow and Andrea Roda. The first practice session saw the Ligier JS P2 reach the overall top 10, after a good start a driver error saw Munemann lost five laps in the race.
The pace of Munemann, Roda and Winslow demonstrated that a top 5 finish could have been within reach for the #25 Ligier, but the team also had the satisfaction to receive the chequered flag, finishing 10th in the LM P2 class and 15th overall after qualifying 12th. For Algarve Pro Racing, the best is yet to come and finishing their first ELMS race is the best possible encouragement for the future.
Andrea Roda: “From the practice session we decided to work step by step in order to gain experience. The whole team underwent many private test sessions but we all know that a race weekend is totally different. Of course we had to handle the traffic with the GT cars but it also part of the game. For our first ELMS event the primary goal was to see the chequered flag. I did a double stint at a good pace and the car was fine. Unfortunately we had a problem during Michael’s stint. The team did a good job anyway, we know we have to improve a few things but we have a good basis. So we will keep on working.”
Samantha Cox, the team manager’s final word: “Michael had a good start and started to gain positions but was frustrated to lose 5 laps due to his error. He handed the car over to Roda who put in great laps. James finished the race and brought the car home. We had a potential for a top 5 finish, but that’s life. I am really happy with all three drivers, the crew has worked really hard, sadly it’s not reflected in the final result for the Equity One racing Ligier.
