Silverstone: Spyker Squadron preview

This weekend the 50-car strong Le Mans Series Prototype and GT field will come in action for the last time this year. After earlier races at the historic tracks of Spa, Monza, Barcelona and the Nuerburgring, this Sunday's 1000 km of Silverstone is also Spyker Squadron's last race of the season.

After an hard-fought fifth place for the #85 SNORAS Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2R in the Nuerburgring 1000 km, this weekend both cars will again aim for a top-5 position. The #94 Speedy Racing Team car will be again driven by Benjamin Leuenberger and Andrea Chiesa. Peter Dumbreck has obligations in the Japanese GT Championship this weekend and Spyker Squadron regulars Alexei Vasiliev and Ralf Kelleners will be joined by dutchman Tom Coronel.

"A lot has changed since I last drove the car in 2006 at Donnigton" said Tom before the first free practice session on Friday. "I was involved in the early stages of the development of the Spyker race cars so it is great to be back with the team. It is really unique to drive as a Dutchman in a Dutch race car".

Both cars passed the technical and administrative checks in yesterday's scrutinizing and are ready for the two one hour free practice sessions today. The team brought a new spec rear wing for the UK Le Mans Series round.

Peter van Erp, managing director Spyker Squadron: "It is great to be back in the United Kingdom. I always admire their race culture and we had good results here last year - the cars finished third and fourth. If we can find a good setup I hope that we can replicate last year's success. It will be the first time that we will use the Michelin tires at Silverstone and I expect they will perform a little better than at the Nuerburgring; the grip level here is much higher. Our key challenge today is to find the right setup for Silverstone's high speed corners, a lot of time can be won there".

The 1000 km or six hour race will start this weekend at 11:20.

-credit: spykersquadron.com