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Possible 2-car team for the complete ALMS season in 2003.
http://www.dailysportscar.com/race/HeadlineTag_fs.asp?ArticleID=282
Bentley Confirm One Car
Wednesday 30 January
Bentley has confirmed dailysportscars scoop story: one EXP Speed 8 at Le Mans this June for Andy Wallace, Butch Leitzinger and Eric van de Poele with the possibility of an additional race later in the season -- the Petit Le Mans, for sure -- and a two-car team for 2003, with Sebring confirmed as the debut appearance of new cars.
The appointment of Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen as Bentleys chairman, starting on March 1, has given the Crewe concern a real boost in the Le Mans stakes. In todays statement (Wednesday) Dr Paefgen makes clear that there is a great deal of potential in the Speed 8s chassis, and it will be developed as a next-generation car for the 2003 season.
We would like to repeat, if not better, our 2001 podium position this year, but believe me we are definitely aiming for the top step in 2003 with the new car declares Dr Paefgen.
He confirms that the new power unit is a 4-litre version of Audis 3.6 litre twin-turbo V8, with direct injection, unique to Bentley and developed in close cooperation with Audi. However as the new engine will not be ready until March, Bentleys presence at Le Mans has been cut to a single car for the three drivers who finished on the podium last June.
Martin Brundle is out of the equation, having cited a greater workload with ITV following Murray Walkers retirement. Stephane Ortelli is not retained, nor Guy Smith although the Englishman might be retained by Richard Lloyds Apex Motorsport to do some test and development work.
Dr Paefgen will be appointed head of all the Volkswagen Groups competitions activities on March 1, and his enthusiasm for the Bentley marque supports conjecture that Bentley will replace Audi as the groups standard bearer at Le Mans.
The next generation EXP Speed 8 might just as well be an open-top version of the current GT Prototype, which is handicapped by having to run on two-inch narrower tyres. Dunlop are continuing to develop tyres especially for the Bentley team.
http://www.dailysportscar.com/race/HeadlineTag_fs.asp?ArticleID=282
Bentley Confirm One Car
Wednesday 30 January
Bentley has confirmed dailysportscars scoop story: one EXP Speed 8 at Le Mans this June for Andy Wallace, Butch Leitzinger and Eric van de Poele with the possibility of an additional race later in the season -- the Petit Le Mans, for sure -- and a two-car team for 2003, with Sebring confirmed as the debut appearance of new cars.
The appointment of Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen as Bentleys chairman, starting on March 1, has given the Crewe concern a real boost in the Le Mans stakes. In todays statement (Wednesday) Dr Paefgen makes clear that there is a great deal of potential in the Speed 8s chassis, and it will be developed as a next-generation car for the 2003 season.
We would like to repeat, if not better, our 2001 podium position this year, but believe me we are definitely aiming for the top step in 2003 with the new car declares Dr Paefgen.
He confirms that the new power unit is a 4-litre version of Audis 3.6 litre twin-turbo V8, with direct injection, unique to Bentley and developed in close cooperation with Audi. However as the new engine will not be ready until March, Bentleys presence at Le Mans has been cut to a single car for the three drivers who finished on the podium last June.
Martin Brundle is out of the equation, having cited a greater workload with ITV following Murray Walkers retirement. Stephane Ortelli is not retained, nor Guy Smith although the Englishman might be retained by Richard Lloyds Apex Motorsport to do some test and development work.
Dr Paefgen will be appointed head of all the Volkswagen Groups competitions activities on March 1, and his enthusiasm for the Bentley marque supports conjecture that Bentley will replace Audi as the groups standard bearer at Le Mans.
The next generation EXP Speed 8 might just as well be an open-top version of the current GT Prototype, which is handicapped by having to run on two-inch narrower tyres. Dunlop are continuing to develop tyres especially for the Bentley team.
