Jaguar XKR debut in FIA GT3

22nd November 2007

Buckingham-based Apex Motorsport is now on its way back from Dubai in the UAE where two of their beautifully feline Jaguar XKR GT3 cars recently made their debut in the final round of the highly competitive 2007 FIA GT3 European Championship.

Apex Motorsport’s Team Principal, Richard Lloyd, was buoyed by the performance of the cars despite not being able to secure higher placings in the overall classifications.  “It was a tough weekend for us, with the high ambient temperatures hurting our engine performance perhaps more than others, but it’s given us a valuable chance to evaluate the competition first hand.  

“I’m encouraged by our continued reliability – the non-finish by the no. 46 car in the first race was due to accident damage – and it was good to see Jaguar drivers on the podium, as winners of the (albeit limited) Jaguar Cup class.   Overall we’ve made good progress during these past two months and we’ll now be concentrating on getting more performance from the car during the coming months.”

As a key supporter of the Jaguar XKR programme from the outset, Stuart Scott was delighted to have been able to race in Dubai, particularly as his key sponsor, Silverjet, was celebrating the launch of a new service to the desert Kingdom.  “It was a great weekend, with the bonus of getting on to the podium after race one.  I’m now looking forward to a few days rest out here!” 

Scott’s co-driver, Chris Ryan, was one of many drivers to comment on the high desert temperatures but that did not detract from a good weekend’s racing.  “It was HOT in the car but a great experience at a great circuit, and I’m happy to finish both races.”

Neil Cunningham, taking part in his second race with the team, was also encouraged by progress made over the weekend.  “We improved our times by almost five seconds during the weekend which was good.  I made a good start in race two but got tagged by a Ferrari and, a bit later, out-braked myself and spun, losing a few places, but I was happy to finish with Karim.”

Apex Motorsport’s newest driver, Karim Al-Azhari, brought valuable local knowledge to the team but was unfortunate to be bulldozed by two Lamborghini Gallardos. “I really enjoyed working with such a professional team.  I’m just annoyed with myself for getting caught up with those Lamborghinis in race one, but it’s my first experience of racing with these guys!”

Results:

Race 1                    23rd    no. 47           Scott/Ryan
                           DNF    no. 46           Al-Azhari/Cunningham
Race 2                    19th    no. 46           Al-Azhari/Cunningham
                          23rd    no. 47           Scott/Ryan

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