Watkins Glen: Penske Racing qualifying report

Verizon Wireless Porsche Riley to Start Sixth at The Glen

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 4, 2009) - Timo Bernhard will start the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Porsche Riley from the sixth position in the Sahlen's Six-Hours of the Glen on Saturday.

Bernhard and co-driver Romain Dumas will each get their turn behind the wheel of the Penske Porsche during the six-hour endurance race at Watkins Glen International, and they are focused on the finish rather than the start.

Bernhard turned a fast lap of 1:41.648 on the 3.4-mile, 11-turn circuit in the Verizon Wireless entry. His top time was just eight-tenths-of-a-second slower than the pole position car.

"I hoped qualifying would have a better result for us," said Bernhard. "In the end, I got bumped out of the (top-five) with something like 45 seconds to go."

Bernhard was disappointed with the qualifying result but quickly directed his attention to the race and what the team needs to do for a strong outcome.

"Who knows what will happen," said Bernhard. "This is an endurance race. Right now I think the other cars are stronger than us because we are limited (on horsepower due to series restrictions). Romain and I will do our best and hopefully we will have the results to show for it."

The drivers will take the green flag for the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen at 2:15 p.m. ET on Saturday. The event will air live on SPEED from 2 to 4 p.m. (ET) and will resume from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

-credit: pr