AKKA ASP’s year at Spa?

In the list of cars officially supported by Mercedes-AMG at the 24 Hours of Spa this year, three examples clearly stand out from the crowd with the n°4 of the Team Black Falcon of Engel – Buurman – Stolz, the n°43 – Strakka Racing of Parente – Götz – Buhk and the n°88 – AKKA ASP de Vautier – Juncadella – Marciello.

The French team, supported by Mercedes since 2016 in Belgium, and more generally since 2017, will logically be part of the training to follow this Thursday in the Ardennes. With a trio combining experience and speed, and a car showing convincing results at Spa, Jérôme Policand could show clear confidence. But the boss remains more measured.

The former driver particularly talks about the difficulties posed by adapting to the new 2018 Pirelli tires. “The transition from 2017 to 2018 was more complicated for us than that between 2016 and 2017, Jérôme Policand told us.

The advantage in 2017 is that from halfway through the relay, we had less degradation, and we could do one and a half relays. This is not the case this year. Plus we have more extreme settings this season. In terms of performance, we worked to get back to the 2017 level.”

The head of Rabastens training (Tarn) also recognizes the importance of consumption, which could play tricks on certain cars known to be greedy, such as theAston Martin and its V12. The “joker” stops (where only refueling can be carried out) should not be the determining factor in victory for AKKA, believes Jérôme Policand, who is very wary of Audi.

“Audi is undoubtedly a little better placed than the others, comments the Frenchman. The most advanced team (Team WRT) has the R8s. And we must not forget the outgoing champion Saintéloc. »

AKKA ASP will be able to count on new chassis for the No. 35 (aligned under the SMP Racing by AKKA banner) and No. 89, while the top No. 88 will also be a new car for this winter.