LMP2: Ligier Makes Waves as G-Drive Does The Double.
G-Drive Racing came to Circuit of The Americas with their new Nissan-powered Ligier JS P2, which impressed at Le Mans three months ago in its competitive debut. The car ended up taking the first pole position after the long break since Le Mans.
The team of Olivier Pla and Roman Rusinov took the fight to their LMP2 rivals, and made it two from two visits to Texas to take pole position. KCMG were only three tenths away from the current LMP2 class leaders, in terms of overall average lap times as they continue to gather valuable experience.
The Hong Kong-registered squad, run by Paul Ip, have been close to the top step, but are still hunting that elusive first win in the WEC, after setbacks have slowed their points haul. But the team of Richard Bradley and Matthew Howson will be going for the top step of the podium come race time.
It was a good start for a new team to enter the category, as US team Extreme Speed Motorsport brought their Honda-powered HPD LMP2 to the party, and took third place for the race, which gave LMP2 three different manufacturers in the top three for the first time this year.