Realteam Racing ends up eighth at the 4 Hours of Barcelona

The third race of the European Le Mans Series season took place this weekend at the circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya.

The European Endurance Championship was back this weekend after two months. After Le Castellet in April and Monza last May, it was Barcelona’s turn to host an ELMS round, a first for ten years.

After free practice on Friday tainted by technical problems, Realteam Racing made Saturday morning the ninth lap time in qualifying session (1:41.654).

Esteban Garcia was the first to start the race under a blazing sun. Starting from the ninth position and making a good start, the Swiss driver found himself in trouble after a runaway. The prototype N. 9 relegated to the back of the pack, led a fight to catch up with his opponents in a strong LMP3 category. The driver began to progressively climb up the rankings and find a good pace when a Team Kessel Racing GT hit the NORMA M30 N. 9, slowing its progress again. David Droux entered the track before the second hour of racing in 14th position. After 45 minutes, the driver reached the eleventh position and then the tenth twenty minutes later. The car finally crossed the finish line in eighth position, allowing the team to gain new points in the standings in this competition, which is still long.

The final result is not the expected one, the Team still showed the audacity to go back to the classification of its category. Currently sixth Team in LMP3 (out of fifteen), Realteam Racing will return to the track on August 31st at the 4 Hours of Silverstone.

“It was not the ideal weekend, we lacked performance in qualifying session and in the race. Despite a good stint, Esteban was hit several times, so we lost positions. I took the wheel quite far in the standings. I am still satisfied with my ascent by night, it was the first time for me. I hope everything will be better at Silverstone!” – David Droux

“Our Catalan weekend was complicated because of problems with power steering and suspension during the free practice sessions. However, I made a good start. Although we have not been able to take advantage of the FCY unlike other competitors, it is always a pleasure to drive in Montmeló. It was very hot and David was able to finish our race in 8th position. Now, head to Silverstone!” – Esteban Garcia

Results and chronos

• Free practice 1 – P6 (1:43.490)
• Free practice 2 – P6 (1:44.475)
• Qualifying session – P9 (1:41.654)
• Race – P8 (1:45.091)

Classification – LMP3 category

1. Inter Europol Competition (58 pts)
2. Eurointernational (44 pts)
3. Ultimate (43 pts)
4. United Autosports (38 pts)
5. Nielsen Racing (28 pts)
6. Realteam Racing (22 pts)