Newblood by Morand Racing confirms competitiveness in the ELMS official test

After private testing on the Magny-Cours circuit, NewBlood by Morand Racing reached the south of France. The Paul Ricard circuit at Le Castellet is the place where the Swiss team scored its best result to date, finishing second in the final ELMS round in 2013 with Christian Klien and Natacha Gachnang at the wheel. The Judd BMW-Powered Morgan with Dunlop tyres was back at Le Castellet with a new driving line-up: the Austrian Christian Klien is joined this year by Gary Hirsch from Switzerland and Romain Brandela from France. NewBlood by Morand Racing immediately proved competitive: Christian Klien set the best time in the first session on Tuesday morning, and remained in the top 5 during the two days of testing. The Swiss team completed 900 kilometres, including 55 laps for Klien, 50 for Hirsch and another 50 for Brandela.

Benoit Morand (team owner): “During these two days at Le Castellet, Christian worked on a predetermined schedule. He had to work on a set-up for Silverstone and on a qualifying set-up, and all of the above was completed, while Gary specifically worked on race set-up. Romain's goal was to gain experience and confidence with the car.”

Christian Klien: “We worked very much on the set-up with a great amount of time on the race track, and we also showed good speed during these two days. We worked with a reliable car, and so it was during the test session at Magny-Cours. The Morgan fits me very well, so it does for Gary and Romain, and this is the most important thing. I knew their reputation and we are getting along very well. The three of us work together very well and this is essential.”

Gary Hirsch: “When I tested the car at Magny-Cours I could realize that an LM P2 prototype was avery good car. You have more aerodynamics, more horsepower, more technology, more of everything. This car fits my driving style quite well, so this is very positive for the future. I enjoyed a very warm welcome from the whole team, I was even invited at the team dinner at the end of last year and at that time I was not part of the team yet. Regarding his career achievements, working with Christian is a real pleasure.”

Romain Brandela: “I see myself as the gentleman with two professional drivers, Christian and Gary are helping me to feel comfortable with the car. This is my second experience in an LM P2, so my main goal was to complete as many laps as possible to get familiarized with the car. The Morgan has a good balance and is a very nice car to drive, with great technology. The whole crew looks like a family, the atmosphere is great but very professional.”

Now everything is ready for NewBlood by Morand Racing to battle for victory in inaugural round of the European Le Mans Series at Silverstone on Saturday April 19 !