Sébastien Loeb Racing: Title in sight heading to the Slovakia Ring

Ahead of the second half of the FIA GT Series, Sébastien Loeb Racing’s results have been honorable so far. A win, pole position, front row start and performance level that have impressed despite suffering several pitfalls since the start of the 2013 season. In fact, with a second place in the current Pro Team championship standings, the young Alsacian team is already showing itself as one of the favorites for the title …

With a clearly defined objective, only 25 points back, the Soultz-Sous-Forêts based team is looking to take a big step at the next race weekend at the Slovakia Ring where its drivers have illustrated themselves in the past. "I like that track" confirms Mike Parisy, driver of the No. 10 Sébastien Loeb Racing McLaren alongside Andy Zuber. "It’s a complex circuit that brings back good memories. I won there in 2011 and it’s also where Andy and I met and where we began our collaboration last year ! Logically, under these conditions, we’re excited to get back there to mark the anniversary. Since the start of the season, we’ve been among the fastest on track but we’ve been unlucky. We want to do better in this second half of the year…and we’re aiming for the top spots, at least a podium, at the Slovakia Ring. Again, we’ve got the speed to do it!"

Joined by the record-holder at the Slovakian track (GP2 – Andreas Zuber), Mike Parisy will be focusing on setting up the McLaren MP4-12C to adapt it to the track’s particular characteristics as sister car driver in the No. 9 alongside Sébastien Loeb, Alvaro Parente explains: "This track is a mix of quick portions that contrast with slower sections. The key will likely come from the aerodynamics, but it’s very difficult to make predictions for the setup. I’m certain that we will find, along with the team, the best setup to fight for the top positions! Sébastien Loeb Racing is definitely in the fight for the team title!" adds the Portugese driver. « We’re second in the current standings with only a hand full of points separating us to first place, despite those good finishes that slipped away from us. Let’s hope that we will be happier during this second half of the season and that we won’t see points evaporate in front of our eyes because of extenuating circumstances."

That answer will come starting on Saturday, August 17, with the first practice session. Qualifying is scheduled for 4 :15pm on Saturday and will determine the qualifying race’s grid, which will start on Sunday at 10 :15am. The championship race will star at 2 :15pm the same day. Both races will be shown live on the team’s website.

About the circuit …
Located about 50km from Bratislava, the new Slovakia Ring takes in the plains of the Danube at the foothills of the Carpathian mountains to unfold its 5 km 922, one of the longest tracks in Europe. Finished in 2009, only five years after Slovakia’s integration into the European Union, located in Orechová Potôň, presents characteristics that drivers enjoy, including a width of 12 meters and a straight measuring 900 meters. The racing line is therefore diverse and there are plenty of areas for overtaking.

Sébastien Loeb Racing