15th June 2003

VELOQX PRODRIVE LE MANS UPDATE AT 1000 HRS

THE PRANCING HORSE GALLOPS AHEAD

After 19 hours of racing, the Prodrive-built Ferrari 550 Maranello of Jamie Davies, Tomas Enge and Peter Kox is not only still holding the lead in the GTS category but has also pulled out a lead of sixteen laps over its nearest rival, the Corvette of Johnny O’Connell, Ron Fellows and Franck Freon.

The Veloqx Prodrive team, however, takes nothing for granted and knows that there are still five hours of racing left to run, in very high temperatures, many pit stops to take, and many potential pitfalls. The 6-litre V12 engine has run without any problems, there have been no mechanical concerns, and Peter Kox, who is currently in the car, reports that the gearbox is “fantastic”.

As tension rises in the pits towards the end of the race, any feelings of excitement or expectation will be tempered by the knowledge that both Ferrari 550s will not take the chequered flag at 4:00pm. The no.80 car of Kelvin Burt, Anthony Davidson and Darren Turner suffered a right front wheel bearing failure at 4:20am, with Davidson at the wheel. He was bruised and shocked and was taken to Le Mans’ central hospital for further examination and a brain scan. He has since left and will be returning to the circuit this afternoon.