24h Le Mans
After very encouraging results in the official European Le Mans Series (ELMS) test in France at the HTTT Paul Ricard circuit, NewBlood by Morand Racing is ready to battle on the legendary circuit of Silverstone (Great Britain) in the inaugural round of the 2014 ELMS to be competed on Saturday April 19.
Photo : Pascal SAIVET - VSA
The Swiss team will rely upon the experience of former Peugeot factory driver Christian Klien, who joined Natacha Gachnang and the then called Morand Racing team for the two final rounds of the 2013 ELMS. The Austrian welcomes two new team mates this year: Gary Hirsch from Switzerland and Romain Brandela from France.
Another major change occurred in the 2013-2014 off-season: the team is now named NewBlood by Morand Racing. Benoit Morand and his team are once again entering a Judd BMW-Powered Morgan with Dunlop tyres. This package proved very competitive in 2013, finishing fifth in the LMP2 class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and scoring three podium finishes in the five rounds of the ELMS. Further to the team’s name change, the car is competing this year in a new livery.
On year ago, the 3 Hours of Silverstone marked the team’s ELMS debut. The Morgan-Judd was forced to retire and the race was interrupted due to heavy rain. This was the team’s only DNF in the 2013 season. With 11 entries out of 39, the LMP2 grid of the ELMS will be even more competitive this year, but NewBlood by Morand Racing is firmly looking forward for a better result on the famous British circuit on April 19. This year, the Swiss squad aims at scoring its first overall win and to battle for the teams’ and drivers’ ELMS title. Everything is ready for another season in the top positions !
Benoit Morand (team owner): “For Gary, the objective is to do his best to support Christian. For Romain, the objective is to get the job done and to be as close as possible to Gary’s and Christian’s lap times. And at Silverstone, the objective is victory!”
NewBlood by Morand Racing press release
