Lamera Cup – Magny-Cours: a first day in the rain

The first day of the Lamera Cup season begins with question marks for the teams and their drivers. Indeed, only a few crews raced during the two free practice sessions on the first track day of the season due to the rain.

This has in fact already claimed one victim: the #35 Lamera from ETC Racing aquaplaned in a straight line this afternoon. The car returned to the box thanks to the circuit repairer, with fairly significant damage. The engine no longer works, the right rear tire was torn off in the impact and the left front part of the vehicle needs to be rebuilt. 

With limited driving due to rain, drivers will have to show skill and courage tomorrow during the free practice session. If the weather is good, the track of the Nevers Magny-Cours circuit will be stormed by the eleven championship teams.

However, be careful not to damage your car: qualifying and the first race will follow the end of free practice.

Is the weather an important factor on the circuit?

The Nevers Magny-Cours circuit has 17 turns. These require more or less braking and steering. The circuit is rather narrow, especially when all the Lameras start at the same time. During a rainy episode, the white bands on the circuit as well as the vibrators become very slippery. Enough to compromise the braking and steering of the car when going through a bend. 

A driver of the #35 Lamera, who suffered hydroplaning and wished to remain anonymous, shared his thoughts following his accident: “The car will have a hard time starting again. Messing up the car before the race as well as messing up the race of my two other teammates is unbearable.”

Two Lamera Cup races are in fact on the program this weekend for the circuit: a 4-hour race on Saturday and a 7-hour race on Sunday. With rain again on the agenda for these two days, victory in the races will come down to the racing intelligence and speed of the drivers!

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