Karun, JRM finish 2nd (privateers) in Shanghai

Shanghai, 28 Oct 2012: Indian racing driver Karun Chandhok’s JRM Racing has finished the final race of its first season in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Six Hours of Shanghai, second in the privateers’ class and fifth overall, equalling the team’s best result of the season. The team achieved its second podium finish in a row, confirming the constant improvement shown throughout the year and finishing its first season in endurance racing third of the privateers’ LMP1 outfits.

The #22 HPD ARX 03a driven by David Brabham, Karun Chandhok and Peter Dumbreck started the race from the Privateers’ pole and fourth overall, the team’s best starting position of the season. Karun got the race underway and was first in the #22, initially keeping in front of the Rebellion #12 and the Strakka cars. It was an intense battle that finally ended with Karun falling back into the clutches of both before stopping for the first pit-stop of the race, rejoining in sixth position overall.

Two hours into the race the Strakka suffered a puncture and then required a replacement rear end, with Karun climbing back up to fifth. After a triple stint and 75 laps, the Indian handed over to Peter who immediately got up to speed, rejoining the race in fifth position overall and lapping at a very constant pace during his stints.

During the final driver change the rear bodywork had to be changed, costing one minute and putting the team out of contention to fight for the win in the privateers’ class. However David still rejoined the race in fifth position overall and second in class, maintaining a close fight with the Rebellion #13. Even though he was experiencing problems with the steering wheel, he fought for second until, with 30 minutes to go, the Rebellion finally hunted David down. There was however drama on the penultimate lap when the leading Rebellion #12 stopped on track, allowing David to regain a position and cross the finish line in second position in class, only eight seconds behind the class winner.

Karun Chandhok was thrilled to finish the season on a high with another podium. He said, “We started off reasonably well and the first couple of laps were okay but we realised early on that we were not quick enough when compared to the #12 Rebellion and the Strakka. I could hold the Strakka back initially as I had pretty good traction and straight line speed, but I got stuck behind a Porsche at the wrong moment and Jonny [Kane] got ahead of me. After that I just found a consistent pace and drove my own race. It was a bit lonely, with nobody behind, even though I did have a battle with Danny towards the end of my triple stint. But to finish on the podium again is a perfect way to end the season. We can be very proud of the way we have improved over the year and I have really enjoyed my first season in endurance racing.”

Nigel Stepney, team manager and chief engineer, said, “We have progressed a lot during the whole season and it’s a testament to how far we have come that I am slightly disappointed we didn’t win! I We should have won this race but we know the reasons why we didn’t – we lost time changing the rear bodywork even though we did it without having to do an extra pit stop, and the problem with the gears didn’t allow us to be where we should have been. But the team has done an excellent job throughout the whole year, and with this first season of experience under our belt now we will see what we are capable next year”

James Rumsey, team principal, commented, “It was a good day today, it’s always good to finish on the podium. I am sure that if we hadn’t had the problems we had during today’s race we would have won, so it’s a bit disappointing if I say the truth, but overall I am very satisfied with our first year in endurance racing. The team has done a fantastic job and has improved continually throughout the season. Our main task now is to use the winter effectively. We will improve the car and team’s performance and work on finding the funding for next season. I would like to congratulate Toyota on their incredible performance this year, and Audi on their World Championship win.“

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