Incident Overview: Major Setback for #99 JMR Corvette During Testing
In an intense private testing session at Yas Marina, the #99 JMR Corvette experienced significant drama when driver Jordan Love lost control at Turn 4, resulting in a head-on collision with the barrier after light contact with the #6 ORECA. The incident has forced the team to withdraw the vehicle from the upcoming race due to extensive front-end damage deemed irreparable on-site.
Driver Changes and Team Shuffles
The withdrawal of the #99 Corvette has prompted a substantial reshuffle within the teams. Prince Jefri will now partner with his brother in the sister #66 car, leaving Yasser Shahin without a drive. Additionally, the #28 WRT BMW has seen a last-minute replacement, with Rinat Salikhov stepping in as the Bronze driver, replacing Sergey Stolyarov. Salikhov previously claimed victory in the Asian Le Mans Series.
The #26 Bretton Racing Ligier will also field new drivers as 2024 Ligier European Series champions Hadyn Chance and Theo Micouris take over for Lenny Ried and Lorenzo Fluxa, who have opted to compete in a local Radical series instead.
Notable Entries and Paddock Developments
Among the intriguing entries is Chinese racer Fu Songyang, who will debut in a Ferrari 296 GT3, prepared by AF Corse, within the mixed Radical/Gulf Procar field. Songyang is noted for previously owning FFF Racing, now defunct.
The Yas Marina paddock welcomed former Iron Dame Rahal Frey to Team WRT as a driver coach, a strategic addition to the team’s personnel.
Clarifications on Historical Achievements
In a recent discussion concerning private teams’ achievements, it was clarified that APR remains the sole private team to have achieved an overall podium sweep in ACO-rules international sports car racing. While Algarve Pro Racing swept the podium recently, it is pertinent to note that they were not the first; United Autosports and GMB Motorsport have also accomplished similar feats in previous seasons.
Conclusion
With the upcoming race approaching, teams are in a state of adaptation and strategic realignment, particularly following the significant setback for the #99 JMR Corvette. The alterations in driver line-ups and the excitement surrounding new competitors will add further layers to the competitive landscape at Yas Marina.
