Chandhok's team ends eighth following a puncture

Indian racing driver Karun Chandhok reeled off four fastest laps in a row but a puncture cost his team Murphy Prototypes dearly as they had to be content with a eighth place finish at the opening round of the European Le Mans (ELMS) race here today.
The team was in contention for a podium from third position on the grid as Rodolfo Gonzalez, who started the race had moved into second position by the first corner.
Approaching the end of his stint, the team received a big blow that ruined their podium chances with a puncture.
Gonzalez brought the Hertz Car Sales Oreca 03 Nissan machine back to the pits carefully but the damaged bodywork meant the team had to bring the car into the garage for further repairs.

Alex Kapadia took over driving duties after Alan McGarrity (Team Manager) and his team performed a superb repair job on the car. Returning to the track in 28th position, Kapadia drove well and was the fastest car on the circuit for the majority of his stint.
Towards the second half of the race, the safety car was deployed to aid the recovery of the stricken Jota Sport Zytek. Alex quickly pitted and handed over car to Karun Chandhok for the final stint.

Chandhok set a blistering pace with four fastest laps in row and ultimately recording the fastest lap of the race but it was too late. Crossing the finish line after four hours, Chandhok brought the Hertz Car Sales Murphy Prototypes Oreca 03 Nissan home in eighth position.

Chandhok was the fastest driver on track out of the 112 drivers on track. The JK Tyre-backed driver was happy with his performance despite limited time in the car.
"It was a really frustrating day to be honest as we had the pace to win. I had four fastest laps in a row and Rodolfo and Alex had really good pace. Rodolfo had a puncture which unfortunately came without warning and destroyed a lot of the bodywork, so that was it and put us out of contention.
"It's a shame but at least we know we are quick and hopefully we can go to Imola and Le Mans with a lot of confidence and hopefully get a result there.