Strakka Racing continued its preparations for the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours, completing a full day’s running at the official test on the Circuit de la Sarthe

Drivers Nick Leventis, Danny Watts and Jonny Kane completed a total of 86 laps, with a best lap time of 3mins 41.371secs, in the process successfully working through all of its objectives. “After the usual checks for a freshly installed engine, we focussed on running on full tanks, assessing tyre compounds as well as a couple of aero changes for our first Le Mans with the Gibson 015S,” says team principal Dan Walmsley. “The car was very good and it was only the late red flag that prevented us from trying for a quick time. We had just put on the tyres on to have a go but the session was stopped.” As well as acquiring sufficient data to analyse before the main race, the day enabled the team to identify what competition amongst the 23-strong LMP2 field it will face in two weeks’ time. “The Oreca continues to look very quick, carrying a lot of speed on the straights but we know it’s a long 24 hours and the Gibson has proven itself as a strong package,” adds Walmsley.

For driver Danny Watts, it was a welcome return to the 13.629km circuit. “I really enjoyed being back at Le Mans and it was a day of trouble-free running for all of us,” says Watts. “We stuck to the plan, running on full tanks all day, learning the car in its Le Mans set up. I was all set for a run but Negri’s off meant we didn’t get a chance to put down a quick time but the car felt good and we know there is more to come. We are happy.”

Between now and the race in a fortnight, the team’s next task is to apply the twitter handles picked from the Strakka25K social media campaign, running the names of 50 fans and supporters on the endplates during the 24 hour classic. “Our fans always give us a tremendous boost and this is one way of saying thanks to some of them,” adds Nick Leventis. “We are really proud to have them on our car.”