Krohn Racing eager to scoop an LMGTE Am victory
After taking their No.57 Krohn Racing Ferrari 458 Italia to a third place finish in the LMGTE Am class in the 6 Hours of Bahrain, the American team is determined to climb up a couple of steps on the podium for this weekend’s 6 Hours of Fuji. An apparent failure in part of their fuel rig, caused by a manufacturing defect which has only presented itself late in the season, put paid to their hopes of a better result in the Middle East.
Team Principal Jeff Hazell acknowledges the strength and merit of competitors Team Felbermayr-Proton, but that won’t stop Krohn Racing’s determination to steal away any further victories from the grasp of either the German team or class leaders Larbre Compétition.
While team owner/driver Tracy Krohn and his Italian team mate Michele Rugolo will be making their first visit to Fuji Speedway, Nic Jönsson is looking forward to returning for the first time in many years. The Swedish driver, who is based permanently in the USA, competed in the Formula Asia Series in the early 1990s and raced at Fuji but with the old track configuration.
Team Owner Tracy Krohn reflects on the challenges of competing in the LMGTE Am class in the FIA World Endurance Championship: “GTE Am is very difficult because you have to rationalise looking forward with looking in your rear view mirrors. Drivers are passing or being passed just about every lap. Judging the speed of the oncoming cars is always difficult especially at night, but even in the day time one must make very rapid decisions about traffic. Those of us that do not do this for livings always struggle to come up to speed against the touring professionals and that is always a challenge, but one which I really enjoy! There is a lot of personal satisfaction in a pass made of any car, but there is a lot more satisfaction when one passes a touring professional driver!”
Nic Jönsson: No.57 Krohn Racing Ferrari 458 Italia: “I used to live in Japan in early 1990s in the Formula Asia Series with Honda and was stationed at the base of Fuji Mountain. It will be a lot of fun for me going back. I know the track has changed a little bit and it is not the same configuration as when I lived and raced there. I’m sure it’s going to be very similar though as far as the culture and things around there. The Japanese people are enthusiastic and particular about their racing. They are huge race fans and I’m confident there will be a great crowd. It’s almost like a homecoming for me. I hope to go back and have a good race.”
Michele Rugolo, No.57 Krohn Racing Ferrari F458: “This will be my first time at Fuji. Fortunately, Fuji has an extra test day like we had in Zhuhai last year so I think that is going to help a lot. However, we will work like always watching video and maybe doing a track walk. I think it is now impossible to win the championship so we just need to race for our satisfaction and to try to finish third in the championship. We need some wins for the team!”
Fiona Miller(quotes from Krohn Racing team press release)
Photo: OYAMA-CHO (SHINOZUKA PREFECTURE, JAPAN), FUJI INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY, 6 HOURS OF FUJI, WEDNESDAY, 10TH OCTOBER 2012, TESTING. The No.57 Krohn Racing Ferrari 458 Italia