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Larbre Competition return to FIA GT championship with Saleen S7R |
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Wednesday, 13 February 2008 |
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Larbre Competition will return to the FIA GT Championship in 2008, with a GT1
Saleen S7R driven by Gregory Franchi and Vincent Vosse.
The French squad have spent the past two seasons in the Le Mans Series,
winning both the drivers’ and teams’ championships in 2006, but also boasts an
impressive history in the FIA GT championship having won four titles in four
years. Larbre also won consecutive Spa 24 Hours’ in 2001 and 2002.
Belgians Franchi and Vosse will spearhead the team’s attack on the GT1-class at
the wheel of the hugely successful Saleen S7R. Former World Series by Renault
racer Franchi graduated to GT racing last year with Larbre, contesting the five
European rounds of the Le Mans Series aboard the team’s Aston Martin DBR9. Vosse
meanwhile raced Luc Alphand Adventures’ Corvette C6.R in 2007 but has a long and
successful history with Larbre. He won the Le Mans Series GT1 title with the Val
de Vienne-based squad in 2006, and has finished on the podium three times,
including victory in 2002, at the Spa 24 Hours.
Team Prinicpal Jack
Leconte said: "There’s not much I need to say about the FIA GT Championship.
It’s such a great competition and we felt we just had to be part of it. I know
the quality of our team and the performance level of the Saleen S7R is
demonstrated by its results last season. Both drivers feel at home at Larbre.
Vincent does not have a lot to prove, and even less with us after his LMS
championship success of 2006, while Greg showed last year that he has all the
characteristics of a leader."
Vincent Vosse meanwhile was
delighted to return to the French squad. “This alliance was obvious. At this
level, attention to detail often makes the difference and this is one of the
things that explains our successful partnership at the Spa 24 Hours over recent
years. Larbre and I have finished on the podium in all our three races at Spa,
including victory in 2002, one of the greatest results of my career. Such
achievements cannot be put down to luck. If we also add my title success with
the team in the Le Mans Series in 2006, this new chapter in our partnership can
only become a success. The FIA GT Championship and I also share a long history.
I have achieved 19 podiums and two victories to date and the objective is to
improve those statistics as much a possible during the season to
come.”
Greg Franchi added “After a learning season in 2007, which
included a win during the Spa-Francorchamps 12 Hours, a sixth place at the Spa
24 Hours and my participation in the LMS championship, the time has come for me
to step things up. Larbre Competition are the best in what they do and driving
with Vincent should help me challenge for wins. When we add the Saleen to this
cocktail, then everything is perfectly set up.”
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 13 February 2008 )
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