Catalunya: Speedy Racing Team Sebah race report

A stunning debut for Speedy Racing Team Sebah in the 2008 Le Mans Series LMP2 category. Xavier Pompidou, Andrea Belicchi and Steve Zacchia achieved a podium position with a second place finish in the opening race of the season.

Team Manager Bart Hayden was extremely happy after the race : " Of course, it's a great result for the team and our partners at Lemo, Rebellion and Speedy Garage. This week-end was a special event for our team. We introduced a new car concept to LMP2, with our first race in the prototype category. Even for a team used to winning in the GT category, the move up to the prototype classes is a big step up. With a GT race car, you buy a car that is ready to run. With a prototype it's totally different, around and inside the chassis you have to build your own technical environment (engine, electronics, gearbox, clutch, brakes, suspension etc). We applied the work philosophy and methods we've always used at Sebah, and that worked well. "

" I'm very pleased with the performance of our drivers; they all showed a good turn of speed, they were consistent, and shared the team spirit. They achieved an excellent result for their first race together. Our crew and technical partners also deserve congratulating because of their hard work, focus and contribution in the run up to the season, during the week-end and the race itself. "

Concerning the potential of the Lola B08/80 Coupe : " The car is really on the pace of the LMP2 reference, the Porsche RS Spyder, our best race laps here now prove that. The RS Spyder has two years of development background already. We are only just starting to set up the car so we are confident for the future. In the name of our partners and from all the team, I would like to thank Lola for their hard work and support. The Judd DB engine showed its strengh and reliability during the week-end, that is exactly what we were expecting, even though it is a new engine for this year. The Michelin tyres gave us options to use with our strategy, so thanks also to them for their support."

Speedy Racing Team Sebah is now focused on the next round of the 2008 Le Mans Series at Monza at the end on the month (april 25-27).

-credit: sr/ts