WEC 2016: Ford GT debuts at Silverstone
📷 © Luc Warnotte: Ford GT#67 was driven by Andy Priaulx, Mario Franchetti and Harry Tincknell
FORD GT #67 at Silverstone 2016
The 6 Hours of Silverstone 2016 was special as It was the first WEC race for both Chip Ganassi Racing Team UK Ford GT. Ford GT #66 was driven by Olivier Pla, Stefan Mücke and Billy Johnson, and sister #67 had Andy Priaulx, Mario Franchetti and Harry Tincknell behind the wheel.
Both cars qualified 3rd (#66) and 4th (#67) in LMGTE class behind Ferrari 488 #71 and Porsche #77, ahead of both Aston Martin and Ferrari #51.
📷 © Luc Warnotte: After the first stints, Ford GT #66 was 2nd, followed by Porsche #77 and sister #67.
📷 © Luc Warnotte: During the second hour, Porsche #77 lost 6 laps dropping last in the LMGTE PRO ranking.
Aston Martin Vantage #95 was second followed by both Ford GT.
📷 © Luc Warnotte: Outrageous domination from Davide Rigon and Sam Bird for the first race of the fifth season of the World Endurance Championship at Silverstone.
They dominated the 15-17th April 2016 weekend with Sam Bird in pole position in qualifications and led the race from start to finish without discontinuation.
📷 © Luc Warnotte: Gianmaria Bruni and James Calado made a serious comeback with Ferrari #51.
The Ferrari #51 was 5th after serving a three-minute stop-and-go penalty for an engine change after qualifying. Gianmaria Bruni and James Calado made a serious comeback passing both Ford GT to be 3rd in LMGTE PRO class at mid-race. Ferrari #51 ended 2nd 33.784 “ ahead of Aston Martin Racing #95.
📷 © Luc Warnotte: Aston Martin #95 was still 2nd with one hour to go
but its advance on Ferrari #51 was fading allowing Bruni/Calado to pass the Aston Martin during the last hour.
📷 © Luc Warnotte: Both Ford GT ended 4th and 5th, two laps behind the winning Ferrari #71.
Related articles:
📷 © Luc Warnotte: Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Team UK dominated the weekend and secured victory in LMGTE Pro at 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps 2017. Read here.
📷 © Luc Warnotte: Harry Tincknell, Johnathan Bomarito and Andy Priaulx ended third GTE Pro with their #67 Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK Ford GT at 1.000 Miles of Sebring 2019. Read here.
