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News Archive » All Systems Go at Le Mans June 4 , 2006 The on-track action for the 2006 Le Mans 24 Hours began today with the traditional pre-race test day. Scuderia Ecosse completed a full test programme and ended the day at the top of the GT2 timesheets with Andrew Kirkaldy’s lap of 4:04.252. The first job for Scuderia Ecosse was for Chris Niarchos to complete 10 laps in order to qualify to drive at Le Mans. The Greek/Canadian was uncharacteristically quiet before his run as he contemplated the daunting morning ahead of him. This is Chris’ first time at Le Mans. Chris Niarchos: “I definitely had butterflies before my first run. Le Mans comes with such a massive reputation that it’s hard not to feel a little nervous. Once I was out there though it was awesome, what a place! It’s a tough track as there are very few markers, its all guardrails and trees, but I enjoyed every second of it. The key thing for me is getting used to working out the speed of the prototypes as they come at you from nowhere but I learn more each lap and I can’t wait for the race!” Andrew Kirkaldy: “The car feels really good and is very well balanced, whatever the fuel level. We weren’t sure where we were on pace compared to the Porsches so we put in a quick lap, not an all-out qualifying lap, but a quick one, and we were pleased to find ourselves on top. Let’s hope we carry on like this!” Tim Mullen: “Well the car feels fast, it’s good to drive and it’s consistent so if it stays that way I’ll be a very happy man! It’s the ideal car for a 24 hour race and I am thoroughly enjoying driving it here!” Stewart Roden, Team Principal: “We’re happy to be fastest today! We ran through a structured test programme with Michelin and we’re extremely pleased with the results so far. This is just the beginning though, there is a long way to go yet.” With the test day complete the next appearance for the team will be for Scrutineering on Tuesday 12th June before qualifying begins on Wednesday 13th. Top 3 GT2 Times from Le Mans: ENDS |
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