Lance Stroll Debuts in GT3 with Mixed Results at Circuit Paul Ricard
Lance Stroll made his GT3 debut last weekend at Circuit Paul Ricard, sharing the #18 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo with teammates Roberto Merhi and Mari Boya in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. The entry was assembled just before the race, highlighting the team’s responsive logistics.
The race presented significant challenges for the team. An early incident involving Boya hindered their performance, leading to subsequent penalties for track-limit violations and ignoring blue flags. The Vantage ultimately retired due to gear-selection problems after a strenuous race.
Despite these setbacks, Stroll emphasized that the experience was not solely about the outcome. “I enjoyed my debut in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3,” he stated, reflecting on his comfort level and encouraging pace in the car. His double stint showcased competitive lap times, drawing a parallel to the performance of teammate Nicki Thiim in the #7 Aston Martin.
“I was one of the fastest during my stint and with each lap, I felt more comfortable with the car and improved my times,” Stroll noted. While his stint came late due to earlier difficulties, he expressed satisfaction with the learning experience in the competitive GT landscape.
Stroll’s involvement in Formula 1 limits his opportunities for future GT3 races, yet he is eager to expand his participation. “Let’s see when the calendar allows,” he mentioned, indicating a potential commitment to further GT engagements.
In summary, Stroll’s debut in the GT World Challenge offered valuable insights and foundations for future races, potentially marking a new chapter in his motorsport career.
