Le Mans Endurance Series 2005
Round 1. Spa 1000 Kilometers. March 31st, April 1st & 2nd 2005
Practice Report

LMES - Spa - RML Friday Practice - March 31st

RML can be justifiably proud of having done a good day’s work here at Spa today, Friday, with the brand new MG Lola EX264 emerging top of the pile in LMP2.

The day began gently for Thomas Erdos and Mike Newton, who were under strict instructions not to push too hard in the first of the day’s two sessions. The MG was out on track for almost the entire hour, with the Brazilian taking the first two-thirds, before handing over to Mike Newton.

“It went really, really well,” said the visibly enthused Erdos, although eleventh quickest overall and second in LMP2 were reflected by his next words. “We were only out there to check that everything was working properly, and begin the process of balancing the car for this circuit. It was just a tester, really, so we weren’t going for quick times. That may come later, but this was still a good start.”

The drivers had also been working on some detailed engine mapping and were “running on the safe side.” So far they have found the balance and handling characteristics of the new EX264 remarkably similar to the highly-rated EX257, but the substitution of the MG V8 has improved matters enormously for the drivers. “It makes our job so much easier,” suggests Erdos. “We don’t have to worry so much about the revs, for one thing. It responds so much more strongly throughout the range, and there isn’t that sudden surge of power when the turbo cuts in.” Of course, the normally aspirated MG V8 is not turbocharged, and there lies the most significant difference. It is also able to rev to over 10,000 rpm.

During the course of the day the track had been subjected to the usual range of weather conditions, but by the time the second LMES session began at four o’clock, the circuit was dry. As a result, nearly every car went quicker, and the RML MG was no exception. A best of 2:11.744 from Erdos, set quite early on, was good enough to leapfrog Belmondo’s best from earlier in the day, with the French entry failing to improve. “I managed a couple of good runs,” said the Brazilian, perhaps shrugging just a little. “I was pleased to be able to put in at least one competitive time, but expect these other guys to be going a lot quicker tomorrow. Only then will we be able to get a clear picture of what we’ll be facing in the race.”

Mike Newton took the larger proportion of the second period. “It’s been my first real chance to discover what the car can do. The total package is very different, and we’re only just starting to explore the limits, but the beauty of this car is that you can do exactly that – and find them without getting punished! There’s a slight tendency towards understeer, but it’s very progressive, and you can keep pushing all the way.” Mike claimed that his only problem was traffic, although that view might have been influenced by an incident with one of the Dallaras, which cut across his nose on the entry to Rivage. Damage was slight, with the front right hand dive plane taking most of the glancing blow. “Having watched it on video, I’m happy that it wasn’t my fault,” he declared.

The whole RML team is still working hard to get to grips with the new car, but all agree that it has enormous potential. “It’s a great credit to Lola,” insisted Tommy Erdos. “They’ve created something very special this time, and it’s so good, straight out of the box.”

The engine, too, has met with nods of approval all round.

“Judd reacted fantastically well (to the problems encountered during the Paul Ricard test) and since it’s come back, the engine has never missed a beat. We’re very encouraged by that,” continued Tommy, eager to spread compliments far and wide “We always had faith in the company, and knew they’d come through with the goods, as have Michelin. Their support has been excellent, and the tyres are performing so well. It makes driving the car such a very rewarding experience.”

Just how rewarding may become clearer tomorrow afternoon, with twenty minutes of qualifying starting at three o’clock, local time. Back to Top

Marcus Potts

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