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Emanuele Pirro Qualifies ADT/Champion
Audi 2nd for 51st Sebring 12 Hours
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Late-Breaking Qualifying News...
Following official qualifying for Saturday's 51st Sebring 12 Hour
race, the pair of Bentley prototypes which had set the pole and
second-fastest times had their qualifying times disallowed due to rules
infractions, and will start the race from the back of the grid. This
elevates the Joest Audi R8 to Pole position and the ADT/Champion Audi R8
to second starting position, meaning Audi R8's will start on the front
row at Sebring for the fourth straight year.
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 2000
Sebring race winner Emanuele Pirro set the fourth fastest time in the
25-minute qualifying session today (THURSDAY) driving the 2002-spec ADT
Champion Audi R8. (but see late-breaking news above...)
“In terms of qualifying, I’m a little
disappointed only to be fourth on the grid but for the race, I believe
we have a very good set-up,” commented 2001 American Le Mans Series
champion Pirro.
“I’m very optimistic we will have a good race.
This will be my first race for Champion and I’m determined that it’s a
good one.”
JJ Lehto is also be experiencing his maiden
American Le Mans Series race with the Florida-based Champion team in
Saturday’s event which starts at 10.30am. “Practice this week has gone
well. All three drivers like the same set-up which is very important so
we don’t make compromises.
“I think I have a good chance of repeating my
1999 Sebring victory but the competition is tough. Not only from the
other two Audis, but the two Bentleys and also the LMP675 Lolas are
going to be strong. Stay out of trouble and being consistent is the
key”.
 1984
& ‘97 Sebring winner Stefan Johansson is also optimistic that it will be
third time lucky for Champion Racing who have finished third and second
in the corresponding race over the past two years.
Stefan said: “Our car has been very good since
we arrived last Friday – I’m very happy with it. We’ve a decent balance
and I believe we’ll have a good race. I’ve got two good team-mates and
the team has really gelled – I’m very hopeful of a podium.”
Brad Kettler, Champion Racing Technical
Director:
"I'm satisfied with qualifying but I believe
the race will better. The drivers are comfortable and the team are in
excellent spirits and ready for a successful race - we're in a good
position."
Team ADT Champion Racing - 2002-spec Audi R8 -
Driver line-up: Stefan Johansson (46). Born: Växjö, Sweden. Lives:
Indianapolis, US JJ Lehto (36). Born: Espoo, Finland. Lives: Monte
Carlo, Monaco. Emanuele Pirro (41). Born: Rome, Italy. Lives: Monte
Carlo, Monaco / Rome.
Sebring International Raceway, 13 March -
Qualifying (Pirro).
Qualified: 4th (1min 49.355secs), 121.805mph
(average speed).
Champion Racing ALMS Sebring Formguide (Audi
R8).
2001 – Kelleners/Schroeder/Wallace: Qualified
3rd. Result 3rd. 2002 – Johansson/Lammers/Wallace: Qualified 5th. Result
2nd.
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