wikedgolf
07-30-2004, 01:38 PM
Priaulx prepared for the demands of Spa
Motor Racing
by Gareth Le Prevost
THE most physically and mentally testing weekend of Andy Priaulx’s career is upon him.
http://www.guernsey-press.com/new_images/0112992.jpg
Less than two hours after he has attempted to retain his lead in the European Touring Car Championship tomorrow, he will be swapping his BMW 320i for the more powerful BMW M3 GTR to compete in the 24 Hours of Spa as part of a unique double-header.
The Guernseyman is one of five BMW ETCC drivers who will be making the transition from two rounds of eight-lap sprints to endurance racing over the weekend.
But although it makes it an extremely busy four days at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, the drivers are relishing the chance to drive both cars, which will require totally different techniques.
As reported last week, Priaulx has been doing a lot of fitness work in preparation for the challenge.
‘For the 24-hour as well as the ETCC, I have done a top-up in my training,’ he said.
‘We [he and his trainer, Ian Potter] have worked on a few areas to help cope with the demands and have tried to relieve a few aches and pains I have had that are something all racing drivers get.’
The ETCC will be the first focal point and Priaulx has a four-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings to protect.
Once again he will be carrying 40kg of ballast following his victory in the second race of the most recent meeting at Donington Park, where he also had the same weight added to his car, but that will not worry the Guernseyman as he returns to one of his favourite circuits.
Last year at Spa he came away with a sixth place from the first race and a victory in the second.
Qualifying for the ETCC races is held this afternoon, after the final of the three qualifying sessions for the 24-hour.
The two races of round seven take place tomorrow at 11.42am and 12.52pm BST and are being shown live on Eurosport. There are also regular updates on the Spa 24-hour, which starts at 3pm BST tomorrow, on the same channel.
It will be Priaulx’s first 24-hour race, although he has participated in endurance events in Australia.
‘They are more six hours duration and do not include night driving.
‘This will be a different and new challenge and, from speaking to the team, they are considering giving us double stints in the car,’ he said.
Published 30/7/2004
Motor Racing
by Gareth Le Prevost
THE most physically and mentally testing weekend of Andy Priaulx’s career is upon him.
http://www.guernsey-press.com/new_images/0112992.jpg
Less than two hours after he has attempted to retain his lead in the European Touring Car Championship tomorrow, he will be swapping his BMW 320i for the more powerful BMW M3 GTR to compete in the 24 Hours of Spa as part of a unique double-header.
The Guernseyman is one of five BMW ETCC drivers who will be making the transition from two rounds of eight-lap sprints to endurance racing over the weekend.
But although it makes it an extremely busy four days at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, the drivers are relishing the chance to drive both cars, which will require totally different techniques.
As reported last week, Priaulx has been doing a lot of fitness work in preparation for the challenge.
‘For the 24-hour as well as the ETCC, I have done a top-up in my training,’ he said.
‘We [he and his trainer, Ian Potter] have worked on a few areas to help cope with the demands and have tried to relieve a few aches and pains I have had that are something all racing drivers get.’
The ETCC will be the first focal point and Priaulx has a four-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings to protect.
Once again he will be carrying 40kg of ballast following his victory in the second race of the most recent meeting at Donington Park, where he also had the same weight added to his car, but that will not worry the Guernseyman as he returns to one of his favourite circuits.
Last year at Spa he came away with a sixth place from the first race and a victory in the second.
Qualifying for the ETCC races is held this afternoon, after the final of the three qualifying sessions for the 24-hour.
The two races of round seven take place tomorrow at 11.42am and 12.52pm BST and are being shown live on Eurosport. There are also regular updates on the Spa 24-hour, which starts at 3pm BST tomorrow, on the same channel.
It will be Priaulx’s first 24-hour race, although he has participated in endurance events in Australia.
‘They are more six hours duration and do not include night driving.
‘This will be a different and new challenge and, from speaking to the team, they are considering giving us double stints in the car,’ he said.
Published 30/7/2004