Istanbul: Rick Pearson preview

Pearson Returns To Le Mans Endurance Series

Le Mans Endurance Series regular Rick Pearson will return to the championship in Istanbul next weekend with GT2 outfit, Racesport Peninsula.

Pearson will partner regular Racesport Peninsula drivers Richard Stanton and John Hartshorne in the team's TVR T400R.

"I've been trying to put the deal together all season and it's finally come right at the last minute," Pearson said. "I'm looking forward to working with the team and can't wait to see the new circuit. The TVR is a great, reliable car which always performs well."

Despite sitting out most of the 2005 championship, former Clio ace Pearson finished third overall in the LMP2 class in 2004. Alongside Tracsport team-mates John Ingram and John Gaw, Pearson claimed a podium position on his series debut at the Nurburgring.

After suffering a starter motor failure while sitting in a comfortable third place at Silverstone, Pearson's marathon two-hour stint in the final round at Spa helped to secure fourth on track and a top three finish in the team standings.

"The LMES is a great championship which regularly produces some of the best endurance racing in the world," Pearson said. "I was delighted with third overall last year and will be looking to build on that experience in Turkey."

The Devonshire-based Racesport Peninsula team are one of the most experienced outfits currently racing in the GT2 class. Fresh from points finishes in the inaugural LMES championship, the TVR squad finished seventh in the 2005 season opener at Spa. Stanton and Hartshorne followed this up with an impressive run at the 73rd Le Mans 24 Hour race in June.

The TVR T400R will run in De Walt and MAN Financial colours at the Istanbul Park circuit.

Opened earlier this year, the brand new 5,378-kilometre track is situated on the Asian side of Bosporus. Combining dramatic scenery, several elevation changes and a challenging collection of corners, the Istanbul circuit hosted the Formula One Grand Prix in August.

Sunday's race will mark the end of the 2005 Le Mans Endurance Series season.

-ra-