GT Academy winners off to a flyer in P2

• Nissan powers the top eight qualifiers in LM P2
• GT Academy winners off to a flyer in LM P2

LE MANS, France – In the LM P2 class at Le Mans today, it was a great day for the Nissan engine, which took the first eight positions in class. The new Ligier JS P2 chassis made a very successful debut, as the No.46 Thiriet by TDS Racing entry took pole position. The No.35 Oak Racing entry driven by two GT Academy winners grabbed third place.

It was Jann Mardenborough who set the fastest time tonight in the No.35 Ligier JS P2 Nissan, which he shares with fellow GT Academy winner Mark Shulzhitskiy and Alex Brundle.

“The session went really well today,” said Mardenborough. “That was my first time on new tires and low fuel in this car. I got a clear lap until the last sector; it should have been pole but I’m happy with third. We finished third last year after qualifying a long way down the field, so to start from near the front puts us in a much better position for the first three hours of the race, especially if there are any safety cars. Today was a box ticked for us and now we focus on the race. We are here to win.”

Mark Shulzhitskiy is a Le Mans rookie so his task has been to learn the track. The Russian racer has been logging impressive times throughout the sessions and is ready to race at Le Mans.

“For me today the object was to keep learning the track, learning how to drive here at night,” said Shulzhitskiy.  “I am still learning all the time and working on my technique, but I think I am ready for the race now.  It will be a great experience for me I’m sure.”

# # #