The 12 Hours of Sebring was dominated by Peugeot who’s 1-2 finish decimated the field. However the big news was the absence of Audi after being a fixture at Sebring and winning the last 9 of 10 races here.
It gives the Peugeot team a free pass for LeMans and appears no one has a chance to give them a challenge. But the big talk around the paddock was why Audi was not there why they were testing the new 2010 R15 Plus on Monday. They were at Sebring a month ago in which they have changed the front end of the car and improved the suspension components. Apparently they wanted to run the modified version of its 2009 car that did not quite fit the 2010 rules. Audi did not get Peugeot’s dispensation basically giving the French team a free pass to them for the race.
I will tell you the Media missed Audi because for the meet and greet Audi has Peugeot beat hands down. The Peugeot team removed all the food before the media got there for the meet and greet and no one could find any water, whereas Audi has a full food spread, open bar and many extra’s. Racing does have it’s perks.
Seriously, I think Audi missing from the line-up really affected the interested, but with the P1 class hurting the GT2 has never been stronger. Corvette entering GT2 this was going to be the class to watch and that is the class that will have save ALMS. It was also great to see a Porsche Spyder return to ALMS with Greg Pickett and the Muscle Milk car and bringing in talented Sascha Maassen to drive. What a great story buying the Spyder from Dyson and beating them and Sascha getting his 30th ALMS victory was nice, Maassen was so happy to be a part of this and happy for Greg putting this together. The Risi Ferrari again another victory 6 in a row for long races, drivers, Jaime Melo, Pierre Kaffer and Gianmaria Bruni really know how to get it done. Long Beach the next race will be very good with all these GT2 cars..
I had a chance to chat with Ryan Hunter-Reay after his second place finish in Brazil for the IndyCar opener and with his new team Andretti Autosport he said it was great to start the season with that finish and really feels good about being there and looking forward to St Pete, he said is only going to get better and really clicked with the team. He is really one of the busiest drivers by competing in the Grand Am, ALMS and IZOD IndyCar Series.’ Hunter-Reay hopes the IICS deal will be for all the races and he and the team are working hard on finalizing deals
Audi rolled into the track on Monday after their test at Homestead. The team is trying to figure out the Audi R15 Plus so they are ready for LeMans, this after Peugeot would not let them race at the 12 hour of Sebring, The week started off rough with Mike Rockenfellar crashing in turn 17 and doing a lot of damage to the rear. This will not help with testing as they only have one R15 Plus ready to go. This week the IZOD IndyCar Series will have their second race and we’ll see if anyone will be able to stop Penske’s Will Power as he is going to be favorite.
Jack Webster captures action from Sebring, Florida where the American LeMans Series drivers prepare for the 58th Running of the 12 Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida.
LMPC Oreca FLM09, Green Earth Team Gunnar
LMPC Oreca FLM09, Green Earth Team Gunnar. Drivers: Christian Zugel, Gunnar Jeanette and Elton Julian.
Flying Lizard Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
Flying Lizard Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of Jorg Bergmeister, Patrick Long and Marc Lieb exits the hairpin during Thursday practice.
Risi Competizione Ferrari 430GT
Risi Competizione Ferrari 430GT of Jaime Melo, Gianmaria Bruni and Pierre Kaffer heads toward Collier Curve during Thursday practice.
Aston Martin Racing Lola B09 60
Aston Martin Racing Lola B09 60 of Chri Buncombe, Harold Primat, and Adrian Fernandez is pictured during Thursday practice at Sebring.
Dyson Racing Lola B09 86 Mazda
Dyson Racing Lola B09 86 Mazda of Chris Dyson, Guy Smith and Andy Meyrick is pictured during Thursday practice exiting turn 10 at Sebring.
Team Peugeot 908 Hdi FAP
Team Peugeot 908 Hdi FAP of Pedro Lamy, Sebastien Bourdais and Nicolas Minassian is pictured entering turn 10 during practice for the 12 Hours of Sebring on Thurday.
Jaguar RSR
Jaguar RSR of Paul Gentilozzi, Marc Goossens and Ryan Dalziel is pictured entering turn 10 at Sebring during Thursday practice.
Drayson Racing Lola B09 60 Judd
Drayson Racing Lola B09 60 Judd of Paul Drayson, Jonny Cocker and Emanuele Pirro leads the Porsche RS Spyder of Greg Pickett, Klaus Graf and Sascha Maassen into turn 10 during Thursday practice the Sebring.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 of Jan Magnussen, Johnny O’Connell and Antonio Garcia is pictured during Thursday practice at Sebring.
Patron Highcroft Racing Honda ARC-01c
Patron Highcroft Racing Honda ARC-01c of David Brabham, Simon Pagenaud and Marino Franchitti is pictured exiting the hairpin at Sebring during Thursday practice.
Eddie has been involved in motorsports for over 30 years as photographer, columnist, and driver. Eddie also is now a retired racer (well, retired unless a good ride pops up).
Eddie LePineOn The RoadUnited SportsCar Championship