RML is gearing up for a class-winning performance by its LMP2 MG Lola EX264 at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, following an impressive run out at the 5 June, Test Day.
During the morning session in the LMP2 class the No.25 RML Lola-MG of Erdos/Newton/Hughes was a clear leader and hovered on the fringes of the top ten overall for the entire session. At the end their 3:45.668 was almost 1.5s ahead of their nearest LMP2 competitor, the No.32 Intersport Racing Lola-AER of Fisken/Halliday/Hancock.
In the afternoon the team concentrated on optimising the set-up in anticipation of sending Tommy Erdos out in the last hour on softer tyres to set a class leading time. In the event Tommy only managed one lap before the weather intervened. Light rain put paid to any attempts at a super quick time but despite having to contend with heavy traffic on his dry lap Tommy comfortably set a time less than two-tenths of a second behind the Intersport Lola and over a second faster than the third placed Kruse Courage.
RML also believes that it will benefit from a strong driver line-up at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours with Warren Hughes taking the third seat alongside the team’s regular LMES drivers Mike Newton and Tommy Erdos.
Warren brings a wealth of experience to the team which includes his prototype drives at Le Mans in 2001 and 2002 in the works MG Lola EX257. Retirements in both those events overshadowed the strong and competitive race he and his co-drivers had which included Warren being the fastest man on track in the early wet stages of the 2001 race, and running 3rd whilst enjoying a fight with the factory Audi’s in 2002.
RML Chief Executive Ray Mallock commented “We feel Warren is the right driver to bring into the team and are pleased to have him on board for our Le Mans campaign. His impressive career shows that he has the adaptability to compete at the top level whatever car he drives and we feel alongside Mike and Tommy we have a strong package for the 24 Hour race”.
Warren commented “I am obviously delighted to be part of the RML MG team at Le Mans this year. I really enjoy driving prototypes and am looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the MG.”
For further information, please contact:
Tim Compston, RemGuard Visual Management, Tel: 0870 5736 482 Fax: 0870 6030416, email:
.
