Race report
European Le Mans
Puncture costs Chandhok and Murphy Prototypes podium at Silverstone
The team recovered from 28th position to finish 8th as Murphy Prototypes set the pace at Silverstone.
Published: Apr 20, 2014, 8:51 PM
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Silverstone: Indian racing driver Karun Chandhok reeled off 4 fastest laps in a row but a puncture cost his team Murphy Prototypes a definite podium finish at the opening round of the European Le Mans (ELMS) race at Silverstone. The team recovered from 28th position to finish 8th as Murphy Prototypes set the pace at Silverstone.
Rodolfo Gonzalez started the race for Murphy Prototypes and by the first corner had moved into second position. Approaching the end of his stint, the team received a big blow that would ultimately ruin their podium chances with a puncture. Gonzalez brought the Hertz Car Sales Oreca 03 Nissan machine back to the pits as carefully as he could but the damaged bodywork meant the team had to bring the car into the garage for further repairs.
Alex Kapadia took over driving duties after Alan McGarrity (Team Manager) and his team performed a superb repair job on the car. Returning to the track in 28th position, Kapadia drove well and was the fastest car on the circuit for the majority of his stint.
Towards the second half of the race, the safety car was deployed to aid the recovery of the stricken Jota Sport Zytek. Alex quickly pitted the #48 Oreca 03 Nissan to hand over to Karun Chandhok for the final stint. Chandhok set a blistering pace with four fastest laps in row and ultimately recording the fastest lap of the race but it was too late. Crossing the finish line after four hours, Chandhok brought the Hertz Car Sales Murphy Prototypes Oreca 03 Nissan home in eighth position.
Once again Murphy Prototypes have proven themselves as the fastest LMP2 team in the championship with one of the strongest driver combinations. Chandhok was the fastest driver on track out of the 112 drivers on track.
The JK Tyre backed driver Chandhok was happy with his performance despite limited time in the car. He commented, "It was a really frustrating day to be honest as we had the pace to win. I had four fastest laps in a row and Rodolfo and Alex had really good pace.
Rodolfo had a puncture which unfortunately came without warning and destroyed a lot of the bodywork, so that was it and put us out of contention. It’s a shame but at least we know we are quick and hopefully we can go to Imola and Le Mans with a lot of confidence and hopefully get a result there.”
Chandhok is backed by his long time supporters JK Tyre and Tag Heuer, along with Sidvin and the AVT Group.
Karun Chandhok
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