Earl Bamber is back in action this weekend with Chip Ganassi Racing’s Team Cadillac entry at the World Endurance Championship’s 6 Hours of Spa.
The Kiwi is partnering Alex Lynn and Richard Westbrook once again and will have additional support on track in the form of the #3 Cadillac making an appearance from across the Atlantic in preparation for Le Mans.
The #3 Cadillac will be shared by Sebastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande and Jack Aitken, with the manufacturer making up just two of a record-breaking 13 Hypercar entries in Belgium.
“I’m really looking forward to Spa. It’s one of my favourite tracks in Europe, and I’ve spent a lot of time there,” says Bamber.
“I won one of my first big races in Europe there in Porsche Mobil 1 Super Cup, so I really looking forward to going back there, especially with this Cadillac. I think we’re making strides as a team. We’re learning the WEC, and I think we’ll continue to improve.
“Two cars will be a challenge for Chip Ganassi Racing, but it’s all in preparation to bring three for Le Mans. Obviously, for us, being year one, it’s all about Le Mans, mainly because it’s our first season. You saw with the Corvette program the first time coming to Le Mans there’s a lot to learn. We’ve got the true test at Spa. They say Spa is the closest representation with the downforce level ahead of Le Mans.”
Bamber, Lynn and Westbrook have finished fourth in each of the two races so far this season, being the 1000 Miles of Sebring and the 6 Hours of Portimao, having gained a total of five positions from its qualifying spot this year, more than any other car.
The team are currently tied for third in the WEC Manufacturer Championship.
“Cadillac and Chip Ganassi Racing believe that we are stronger when we race multiple cars on any given race weekend,” said Mike O’Gara, director of operations for Chip Ganassi Racing which campaigns the Nos. 2 and 3 entries. “The Spa event will serve as a much-needed dress rehearsal for the Le Mans 24-hour race. It will be a great opportunity for our ‘IMSA regulars’ to be immersed in the WEC rules and race procedures in anticipation of the big event in June.”
June’s 24 Hours of Le Mans will see a third Cadillac V-Series.R competing, with this weekend’s record number of Hypercar entries set to be smashed as 16 Hypercars participate in the iconic French event.
New Zealander Brendon Hartley will also be in action this weekend, looking to replicate his form, which saw him recently win the 6 Hours of Portimao.
The 6 Hours of Spa begins at 10.15 pm on Saturday and will be shown live on Sky Sport PopUp 2 (601).
