Round 1 of the European Le Mans (ELMS) saw Chandhok and team backed by Hertz Car Sales lose podium spot because of a punctured tyre at Silverstone. The Indian driver managed 4 consecutive fastest laps in his recovery drive to secure 8th place having reached 28th position at one point.
Karun commented, “I am looking forward to racing at Imola this weekend. Last time out in Silverstone the car was really good but getting the puncture was just unlucky. I hope we have a better weekend. Imola is one of the few anti-clockwise circuits and am looking forward to learning another new track. Our target is a podium this weekend so let’s hope we can have a clean weekend. This weekend race should also help us in preparing as a team for the big Le Mans 24 hours race next month.”
He said. “Senna has been an inspiration to all of us and it will be an honour to race here almost 20 years since the day of his tragic accident. The memory of that weekend is still very clear in my mind and although the circuit has changed a bit in its layout, it’s still one of those really historic places to visit.”
He added, “I’m very glad to carry on working with my long term supporters JK Tyre, with whom I am entering into my 15th year of association as well as Tag Heuer, Sidvin and the AVT group who have all been very supportive towards my Le Mans campaign.”
back in Silverstone during teh season’s first race, Rodolfo Gonzalez started for Murphy Prototypes moving into second position quickly. Toawrds theend of his drive, a puncture saw him drive the Hertz Car Sales Oreca 03 Nissan back to the pits as carefully as possible. A visit to the garage was inevitable for further repairs to its damaged bodywork.
Alex Kapadia returned to the track in 28th position. Later, the safety car was deployed to aid recovery of the stricken Jota Sport Zytek. Car #48 Oreca 03 Nissan was then taken over by Karun Chandhok with the race finishing 4 hours later for Hertz Car Sales Murphy Prototypes Oreca 03 Nissan. Being the fastest LMP2 team in the championship was a booster. A strong driver combination and Chandhok being the fastest driver on track out of the 112 drivers puts the team in a strong palce.
JK Tyre backed driver Chandhok said, “It was a really frustrating day to be honest as we had the pace to win. I had four fastest laps in a row and Rodolfo and Alex had really good pace. Rodolfo had a puncture which unfortunately came without warning and destroyed a lot of the bodywork, so that was it and put us out of contention. It’s a shame but at least we know we are quick and hopefully we can go to Imola and Le Mans with a lot of confidence and hopefully get a result there.”
