Multiple championship winning GT team TF Sport are embarking on a new challenge in 2021, running a car in the LMP2 category of the European Le Mans Series for Racing Team Turkey.
We caught up with Team Owner Tom Ferrier to discuss this change of direction.
Q: Tom, this is the first time TF Sport have run a prototype. What are the main challenges you will be facing as a team with an LMP2 car?
Tom Ferrier: “Really it’s going to be about the running of the car, making sure we get on top of reliability. As a team we are up to date with ACO regulations and how to run a race weekend. We have our normal crew and drivers (we know Harry well). Everyone at Oreca seems very helpful so fingers crossed it won’t be too much of a challenge.”
Q: What was the reason for the switch to LMP2?
TF: “It has always been an ambition of Salih’s and something we wanted to progress to. We will still have a heavy presence in GTE!”
Q: The driver line up of Salih Yoluc, Charlie Eastwood and Harry Tincknell is very strong. With his prototype and GT background, how important was it to get someone like Harry, a former ELMS LMP2 champion no less, on board with this project?
TF: “It was always the aim to get a driver of his calibre and he will help us develop quickly. He’s also quite a nice chap!”
Q: Have you had to bring in specialist help on the engineering side of the team as well?
TF: “We have done a technical partnership with JOTA for year one. I’ve known Sam (Hignett) for a long time and hopefully it will benefit both parties in the long run.”
Q: Is the car a new chassis or has it raced before?
TF: “She’s brand new!”
Q: LMP2 is an incredibly competitive environment. What is the goal for the team in its debut season in the top category?
TF: “100% to try and win Pro/Am. I think if things fall our way in some races we may be able to spring a few results.”
Racing Team Turkey will make its LMP2 debut at the opening round of the 2021 European Le Mans Series in Spain on Sunday 18th April in the 4 Hours of Barcelona.
