Marino Franchitti renews with Dyson Racing

Marino Franchitt has been retained by Dyson Racing for their assault on the 2009 American Le Mans Championship and he is delighted to be paired in the #20 car again with his friend and co-driver from last season, the very likeable and professional, Butch Leitzinger.

During the winter period Dyson Racing joined forces with Mazdaspeed to create a long-term partnership that will see the team campaign two Lola B09/86 LMP2 coupes in the ALMS Series. The coupes will be powered by 2.0ltr turbo Mazda MZR engines which are being prepared by Advanced Engine Research Limited (AER).

Dyson Racing have enjoyed great success in the past with the Lola-AER combination, and now partnered with Mazda and again with Michelin, whose competitive edge has helped Dyson to several podiums over the last 2 years, the team are collectively expecting to share many successes in the future.

BP, who worked closely with Mazda last season, are also linked with the team as is reflected in the new 2009 Dyson livery.

The new package was recently tested in Sebring, Florida, site of the 57th running of the Twelve Hours of Sebring scheduled for 18th - 21st March, and the consensus of opinion was that the team had progressed well during the winter break.

Needless to say Marino's hopes for the season ahead are plentiful, "I am delighted to be back with Dyson Racing; continuity and chemistry are such vital ingredients and amongst the team and drivers we have them both in abundance" said Marino. He continued, "I am also very pleased to be working with Mazda and Lola; together with the team and our new partners, including BP and Michelin, I am sure we can develop a really competitive package and hopefully top it all by winning the ALMS championship".

Marino will be out in the car for the first time next week when the team appear at the ALMS' annual Winter Test which runs in Sebring from 26th - 28th January.

-credit: mf