Proton Competition Faces Challenges Yet Shows Promise in Qatar

Proton Competition’s Ford Mustang faced initial setbacks but showcased competitive performance at the Qatar event. Despite a fiery incident during pre-race, the team achieved notable positions in the race. Ben Tuck led briefly, but technical issues hindered their finish. The sister car also finished in the points, setting the stage for future races.

Proton Competition’s participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s LMGT3 division saw their Ford Mustang LMGT3 perform impressively, although the team departed Qatar with mixed feelings. Facing challenges from the outset, the team’s 77 entry, driven by Ben Tuck, suffered a fire during the pre-event Prologue, which threatened their preparations for the race.

Ultimately, following intense efforts, the car returned to the track in time for FP1, where rally driver Bernardo Sousa earned a 16th place starting position amid fierce competition. Remarkably, during the subsequent Qatar 1812km race, the Mustang climbed to second in class, fueled by a swift pit-stop that allowed Tuck to assume the lead. However, despite his strong performance, including overtaking maneuvers, Tuck lost his lead when he had to yield due to tire degradation.

The situation became critical when Sousa experienced a technical failure on the start-finish straight, preventing further advancement in the race. Tuck expressed his disappointment, stating, “I’m just sad for the team, as they did such a brilliant job getting the car ready for the race.”

In a noteworthy performance, Proton Competition’s sister 88 Mustang, driven by Stefano Gattuso, achieved a commendable tenth place in qualifying, with Giammarco Levorato matching this feat during the Hyperpole shootout. The trio, including Dennis Olsen, showcased a solid race performance, culminating in a points finish for the team. Proton Competition aims to build on this experience as they prepare for the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola in Italy, scheduled for April 18-20.

In conclusion, Proton Competition’s journey at the Qatar event highlights both the team’s struggles and the potential for future success. Despite a challenging start marked by mechanical issues, the team demonstrated resilience and competitiveness. Their performances in both Mustang entries, particularly the strong efforts of Ben Tuck and Bernardo Sousa, provide a foundation for improvement as they look forward to the next race.

Original Source: www.fiawec.com