R03 Spa-Francorchamps – FIA WEC Race Preview
PREMA Racing will compete in round 3 of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship this weekend, joining the highly-competitive LMP2 field for the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. The Belgian event is one of the most traditional of the series due to its long history, the circuit’s spectacular 7-kilometre layout, and the fact that it will be the last one before the season-defining 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Working efficiently will be key to scoring good results and laying good foundations for Le Mans. The PREMA field will feature once again the #9 and #63 Oreca racecars as the team continues in its double full-season commitment. Coming from a good showing in the previous round at Portimao, the #9 will feature the return of Lamborghini Squadra Corse Official Driver Andrea Caldarelli to replace the FIA F2-bound Juan Manuel Correa. The Italian will share the cockpit with Dutchman Bent Viscaal and Romanian Filip Ugran.
The #63 crew will aim for revenge after a late safety car took away their chances for a podium finish in Portugal. Portimao pole-sitter Mirko Bortolotti will be again partnered by fellow Lamborghini Squadra Corse Official Driver Daniil Kvyat, who delivered an outstanding performance in tough tyre conditions in the final stages of the Portuguese round. Jumping back into action, French female racer Doriane Pin will aim to continue the impressive form showcased in the opening two events ahead of her home race.
As always, in addition to the challenging nature of the track featuring the world-famous Eau Rouge corner, the event will probably be impacted by weather at some point during the weekend, which will highlight the ability of the teams to react quickly and adapt the strategies.
The 6-hour race will be held on Saturday at 12:45 noon local time, with practice starting on Thursday and the LMP2 qualifying session going underway on Friday at 17:25.
Rene Rosin – Team Principal
“We are coming from a positive run in Portimao. Despite the bad luck with the safety car timing, we showed great potential with pole in qualifying, and the momentum feels really good. We are aware that we can carry the same pace to Spa-Francorchamps. There will be many variables to take into account, including the weather, but we feel prepared and ready to go!”
Weekend Timetable
Thursday, April 27th, 2023
11:30 – Free Practice 1
16:20 – Free Practice 2
Friday, April 28th, 2023
11:00 – Free Practice 3
17:25 – LMP2 Qualifying
Saturday, April 29th, 2023
12:45 – 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
Source | Photo: PREMA Racing
