Lance Stroll's first comments after troubled GT3 race debut at Paul Ricard
Lance Stroll offers his summary on his GT3 race debut at Paul Ricard.
Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Lance Stroll has reflected on his troubled GT3 debut at Paul Ricard.
Making the most of a free weekend following the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix due to the Iran War, Stroll took part in the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard last weekend.
Stroll’s No.18 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin squad retired late on from 48th place in a race beset by technical problems and racking up more than eight minutes’ worth of penalties.
The Canadian’s stint came after dark in conditions he was not fully accustomed to, though he still managed to do a respectable job, including setting the eighth fastest time overall.
Despite the disappointing result, Stroll was left encouraged and enjoyed his first outing in sports car racing since contesting the 2018 Daytona 24 Hours.
“I enjoyed my debut in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and even with limited preparation I felt good in the car and the pace was very encouraging,” Stroll said.
“I was one of the fastest during my stint and every lap, I was getting more comfortable with the car and improving my lap times.
“Of course, the race was basically over when I started my stint due to several issues we’d had, but nevertheless it was great to drive, run in the race conditions at night, and gain experience in a highly competitive championship.
“I’d like to thank the team for bringing the opportunity together really quickly and for giving us a fast car to drive. It was great fun!”
And Stroll wants to take part in further GT races in the future.
“I had a lot of fun and I look forward to doing more GT racing soon,” he added.
“Let’s see when the calendar allows, but I look forward to driving the Vantage GT3 again soon.”
Stroll has joined fellow driver Max Verstappen in pursuing extracurricular racing activities outside of F1 this year.
Verstappen has already contested GT races at the Nurburgring and is set to make his debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours next month.
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