Muhlner Motorsport Spa test summary

Muhlner Motorsport to run two Porsche in the Spa 24h
Muhlner quickest in testing with Duncan Huisman

Francorchamps. The Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium based Muhlner Motorsport Team were present at the official FIA GT test day at Spa-Francorchamps, running two Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S cars, one of which secured the best time of the day in the G3 Division in the hands of Duncan Huisman.

The crew of the 124 car for the 24 hours race is now set - Paul van Splunteren (NL), Ian Khan (MON) and Roeland Voerman (NL) will be joined by the professional race driver Duncan Huisman (NL) for the big event on the 1st to 3rd of August. As Voerman was unable to make the test day due to work commitments, the car was tested by the other three.

The crew of the 123 car is not yet complete -- two drivers are confirmed. The longtime Muhlner driver Heinz-Josef Bermes, who with his 15 class wins at the Nurburgring 24hrs and 3 class wins in the Spa 24hrs will be one of the most successful drivers in the field, is joined by the UK based Canadian Mark J. Thomas. Thomas is contesting the FIA European GT3 Championship with Muhlner and his quick, consistent and reliable driving style has helped him to a current four point lead in the Porsche Cup category of the championship.

The rain affected morning session was used to give the drivers a chance to acclimatise to the car in the wet. Some small set-up changes were made to ensure neutral handling in the conditions.

The afternoon was dry, allowing the team to run slicks and a dry set-up. All of the drivers were comfortable with the behaviour of their car and Duncan Huisman was able to post the best G3 car time of the day.

"All in all we should be in good shape for the 24hrs. We are still looking for two reliable drivers for the Bermes/Thomas Porsche. Then we'll have two irons in the fire in our quest to match last year's success" said an optimistic Bernhard Muhlner.

Muhlner Motorsport have enjoyed a total of six class wins in the blue riband Spa 24hrs event: in 1995, 1996 and 1997 running Opel race cars and in 2004, 2005 and 2007 running Porsches.

"Success in 24 hour races comes from a combination of top technical preparation, quick and accident free drivers, a nifty pitcrew for perfect pitstops and last but not least, the right tactics and strategy. Only when all these factors come together can you win. Everyone involved has to give his best -- that's what makes a 24 hour race a true team sport" said team boss Renate-Carola Muhlner knowledgably.

The official program starts on the 30th July with a parade from the race circuit down into the town centre of Spa. On Thursday and Friday there is free practice and qualifying. The race starts at 4pm on Saturday 2nd August.

-credit: mm