Chandhok and co set fastest time in Le Mans test practice

Image
Press Trust of India Le Mans (France)
Last Updated : Jun 01 2015 | 4:13 PM IST
Murphy Prototypes, a team comprising Indian driver Karun Chandhok, set the fastest time in LMP2 class during test practice two of the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race to be held here on June 13-14.
Changeable weather conditions punctuated proceedings at the famous Circuit de la Sarthe for the official prologue that takes place two-weeks ahead of the world's most famous endurance race.
The morning runs started dry and all three Murphy Prototypes drivers: Chandhok, Mark Patterson and Nathanael Berthon, each took turns at the wheel of the team's Nissan-powered Oreca 03R before the rain came. The weather conditions were repeated for the afternoon session and, with the team having established a good set up for the car, Chandhok was able hook-up a perfect lap to secure the fastest time in the LMP2 category - and the 11th fastest time overall - just before the rain returned.
The test event provides teams the opportunity to run on the 13.629km (8.46-mile) track - which is only used in this format once-a-year for a four hour session in the morning and another four hour session in the afternoon.
The team was pleased to have run through its planned test programme during the day and to have established a good set-up for the car. Overall 22 cars will be running in the LMP2 category.
The build up for the legendary race starts on June 7 and
June 8 with scrutineering at Place de la Republique in Le Mans, followed by two free practice and qualifying sessions on June 10 and 11. The race starts on June 13 at 3:00pm local time.
Chandhok, who will be getting back to his Formula E duties this weekend commented: "It's been a good day. It was a little frustrating to begin with as there was only time for a couple of laps in the morning before it started raining. But it dried out again for the start of the afternoon session and I was able to build up to some strong laps and set the fastest LMP2 time of the day.
"Other than a brief test at a Paul Ricard a few months ago, it has been a year since I last drove this car, so I was very pleased to be straight on the pace. The car ran consistently well throughout the test and the team did a great job. It's an excellent start to our Le Mans fortnight.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 01 2015 | 4:13 PM IST

Next Story