A solid performance for Strakka Racing

Strakka were third in points scoring for the team trophy in the LMP1 class at the end of the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Arriving in Belgium in second place in the trophy ranking, the British team retained that position thanks to a strong race with no nasty surprises.

Jonny Kane, Nick Leventis and Danny Watts, who won the LMP2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2010, are now competing in the LMP1 class with an HPD ARX-03a. Betting on rain for the duration of the race, Strakka, qualified in sixth position, having made aerodynamic adjustments that turned into disadvantage after the track dried. Jonny Kane, who took the start as he had qualified the car, was  5th overall and 1st privateer team at one stage. A little later, the duel between Danny Watts and Sebastien Bourdais in the Dome of Pescarolo Team was a highlight of the race.

Jonny Kane: “The start was tricky; really wet, a lot of spray and it was difficult to see where you were until it all began to settle down after a couple of laps. The car felt good in the wet and I overtook a Rebellion and was able to run behind the Audis quite comfortably. We were putting in some good lap times, despite looking after the wet tyres from very early on. We changed to intermediates at the right time, but it was definitely time for slicks when I handed over to Danny. We were very competitive with all the other petrol cars and finished third Privateer, so it was a pretty good day’s work really.”

Strakka's next appointment is on the 3rd of June at the Test Day 24 Hours of Le Mans, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Dave Davies (quote from team press release)

Photo: FRANCORCHAMPS (LIEGE, BELGIUM), SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS CIRCUIT, 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, RACE, 5th May, 2012.The HPD Strakka finished seventh overall and retained their position in points standing for team trophy.