Monza: Liz Halliday preview

Halliday ready for European season opener

Dual-sportswoman Liz Halliday begins her European season this weekend as the prestigious Le Mans Series begins its 2007 season at the famous Monza circuit in Italy.

The California-born UK-based Halliday, who combines her career of racing sports cars with that of international 3-day eventing, will pilot Team Modena's Aston Martin DBR9 in the 1000kms of Monza this Sunday.

Ahead of the race Halliday revealed that the circuit holds an interesting connection for her and her family. She said: "My father was literally one of the last people to ever drive a car around the old banking at Monza. It wasn't in a race or anything, and I don't know how he managed it, but somehow he got out there with my mum alongside him in the front seat of his old Alfa GTA! For that reason the track has a really special family connection for me because that is one of my dad's most treasured motorsport memories. You can't drive on the banking now, but history still surrounds the place and I really enjoy going to the circuit."

Liz previously raced at Monza in the FIA GT Championship in 2005, finishing 7th overall alongside Justin Keen in a Lister Storm and is looking forward to another competitive run following her first outing with Team Modena in last months 12 Hours of Sebring.

"I know I have work to do but I've reflected on Sebring and targeted the areas I know I need to work on. It should definitely help that we have that experience to draw on, and we have got another test coming up just before the race, so I'm hoping I can really start to move forward this weekend. Monza is a great circuit and I love Italy, so I am definitely looking forward to the race."

Team Modena Sporting Director Rik Bryant said: "We can't wait to go racing again in Europe with the Le Mans Series. We ran well last month at Sebring in the US and we are excited to be back in Europe with the Le Mans Series. I know the drivers can't wait."

-credit: www.lizhalliday.com