11/22/2009
The Sportscars Winter Series was launched this weekend on the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit in the Var, and has proved a success as the concept thought up by ORECA in partnership with the Castellet circuit attracted almost twenty cars. Among them were seven Formula Le Mans, ten GTs (Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ford) plus a couple of Bioracing prototypes making up a varied and well-balanced field. They were entered by around ten teams from Italy, Switzerland, France, Monaco, Belgium and Germany.
Despite the overcast weather and a few showers, a good crowd turned up for the baptism of the Winter Series aimed, above all, at drivers who want to test in a light-hearted ambience in a 100% safe environment.
While a few people got caught out by the damp track (in particular in the Audi R8), the thirty seven drivers entered representing eleven nationalities really enjoyed themselves during the five hours' running time in this meeting held on the 3.793-km circuit. Some, like Jonathan Sicart in his Maserati, decided to drive alone to take full advantage of the conditions. One of the specific aspects of the Winter Series is that up to four drivers can share the wheel of a car, or one person can drive the whole five hours by himself.
While awaiting the arrival of new cars for the next event, the general quality of the first meeting is cause for celebration. "Overall, the first meeting went off pretty well. The drivers were a bit surprised by the rhythm of the day as they're not used to racing so much, but that's what they liked. Drivers always want more track time and here they got what they were asking for! The overall spirit was good throughout the weekend, which is very important, because at the risk of repeating myself, this series is based above all around pleasure, testing and conviviality" said Alain Marguet, the Sportscars Winter Series coordinator.
All the results : here
Next Supercars Winter Series meeting : December 6th. More information: www.formulalemans.com
Booking: here
On December 6th, the Paul Ricard Go-Karting Grand Prix will take place on the go-kart track.
