Porsche on the prowl for victories in Fuji

Although not testing today at Fuji International Speedway, Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz are looking forward to getting behind the wheel of their No.77 Team Felbermayr-Proton Porsche 911 GT3 RSR on Friday and discovering the panoramic track which sits at the foot of Mount Fuji.  It will be a first visit for both the LMGTE Pro drivers.

The German-Austrian duo will once again face strong opposition from Ferrari and Aston Martin in the hotly contested class, even if the Italian ‘Prancing Horse’ has already got its name on the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGTE Pro teams.  The racing will no doubt be thrilling as always, and the No.77 Porsche will be chasing its second class win of the season following the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

In LMGTE Am, Christian Ried and his Italian teammates Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti will be keen to follow on from their success in Bahrain and clinch a third victory in the No.88 Team Felbermayr-Proton Porsche 911 – this example being a 2011 car in accordance with the regulations for the category.

Marc Lieb, No.77 Team Felbermayr-Proton Porsche 911: “This track is new for us. With the help of onboard footage, we will try to prepare for the race as best we can. In contrast to the last race in Bahrain, the temperatures in Fuji should pose less of a challenge to us. If we’re lucky it might even rain. We are long overdue for our second win of the season.”

Richard Lietz, No.77 Team Felbermayr-Proton Porsche 911: “I’ve never raced in Fuji. On videos I saw that the race track is very selective and very fast. There are a couple of daunting corners. I’m looking forward to the race and also to travelling to Japan. It’s a country I’ve always been very interested in.”

Fiona Miller (quotes from Porsche Motorsport press release)

PHOTO:  SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT (SILVERSTONE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, UK), 6 HOURS OF SILVERSTONE, SUNDAY 26TH AUGUST 2012, RACE.  Team Felbermayr-Proton's Porsche 911 RSRs race in the LMGTE Pro and Am classes.