Targeting a strong second half as FIA WEC returns in Brazil

With the European leg of the season complete and the highlight of Le Mans now behind them, Proton Competition turn their attention to the first of four overseas rounds in the FIA World Endurance Championship: the 6 Hours of São Paulo (10 to 12 July) at the iconic Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos, Brazil.
 
Christian and Michael Ried’s team has made steady progress throughout the opening half of the campaign. While a breakthrough result has yet to materialise, consistent improvements and a growing understanding of the Ford Mustang LMGT3 leave the team well placed to begin the second half of the season on a strong note.
 
Proton Competition will field two Ford Mustang LMGT3 entries in the 18-car LMGT3 field. Eric Powell, Ben Tuck and Sebastian Priaulx will share driving duties in the #77 Mustang, while Stefano Gattuso, Giammarco Levorato and Logan Sargeant will pilot the #88 car.
 
“I’m really looking forward to the race in São Paulo,” said Tuck. “We’ve had some bad luck in a couple of difficult races this year, but that just gives me even more motivation to get a result for the team and chase that first win in WEC for the Ford Mustang LMGT3.”
 
With its short, flowing layout, significant elevation changes and unforgiving kerbs, Interlagos presents one of the most distinctive challenges on the FIA WEC calendar, as Tuck is well aware: “The track is quite tight and technical in the middle sector, so we’ll have to work on getting the set up right through practice and qualifying, but I’m very hopeful for the race!”
 
A forecast of changeable weather for race day could add another layer of unpredictability, while tens of thousands of passionate Brazilian fans are expected to create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the weekend.
 
The action kicks off on Friday with two free practice sessions, followed by free practice 3 and qualifying on Saturday. Sunday’s race starts at 11:30 local time (16:30 CEST) and can be followed live and in full on FIA WEC+.

Schedule

Friday 10 July
11:00 – 12:30 Practice 1
(16:00 – 17:30 CEST)
15:50 – 17:20 Practice 2
(20:50 – 22:20 CEST)

Saturday 11 July
10:10 – 11:10 Practice 3
(15:10 – 16:10 CEST)
14:30 – 15:00 Qualifying
(19:30 – 20:00 CEST)

Sunday 12 July
11:30 – 17:30 Race
(16:30 – 22:30 CEST)

Free for editorial use.Copyright: Proton Competition (Paola Depalmas)