Manthey PureRace Faces Mixed Grid at Fuji WEC Race
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The Manthey PureRace team heads into the 6 Hours of Fuji with a mixed bag of results from qualifying for the penultimate round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). While the #92 Porsche 911 GT3 R secured a promising fifth-place starting position, the #91 car will start from the back of the grid due to driver discomfort during the session.
Qualifying Recap
The qualifying session saw contrasting fortunes for the two Manthey PureRace Porsches. kevin Estre, driving the #91 Porsche, struggled to find comfort in the car, impacting his performance. the team is currently investigating the cause of this issue. Despite the setback, estre remains optimistic about the race, emphasizing the team’s strategic capabilities.
“We didn’t feel cozy with the car – we now have to understand why. In Le Mans, Sao Paulo and austin, our pace was great. Unfortunately, we have to start the race from the back, which makes it a bit intricate here at Fuji. Now we can show what we can do once again and trust that the team will help us again with a great strategy. Everything is still open for tomorrow.” – Kevin Estre, Porsche 911 GT3 R #91 Source
Simultaneously occurring, Riccardo Pera in the #92 Porsche delivered a strong performance, securing fifth place on the grid. The team is also mindful of the championship standings, currently leading by 19 points.
“Fifth place on the grid is a really nice result for us and gives us a good starting position for the race, as that’s where it counts. We are also thinking about the championship, which we currently lead by 19 points. Therefore, we have to cleverly stay out of all difficulties and come through cleanly. I think we have a pretty good package for that.” – Riccardo Pera, Porsche 911 GT3 R #92 Source
Championship Implications
The WEC championship battle is heating up as the series approaches its final rounds. Manthey PureRace’s lead in the GT3 class provides a buffer, but a clean race and strategic execution will be crucial at Fuji, especially considering the challenging starting position of the #91 car.The 6 Hours of Fuji is a demanding race known for its unpredictable weather and challenging track layout. FIA WEC
Key Takeaways
- #91 Porsche will start from the back of the grid due to driver discomfort.
- #92 Porsche qualified in fifth position.
- Manthey PureRace leads the GT3 championship by 19 points.
- Strategy will be key for both cars, particularly the #91.
The 6 Hours of Fuji promises to be a thrilling race, and Manthey PureRace will be looking to maximize their points haul and solidify their championship lead. The race is scheduled to begin on September 29th, 2024.