The European Le Mans series got underway last weekend at Silverstone and Tonbridge based Jota Sport were on the top step of the podium.
They began their challenge for the 2013 season in style by securing victory in the LMP2 category having started the race from pole position.
Simon Dolan has been joined in the car by McLaren’s F1 test driver Oliver Turvey for the coming campaign, it was the new boy that secured pole position on his debut with a fastest time of 1:48.032s.
Their driving talents game to the fore in the race as just before the start it began to rain which meant they had to put early for wet tyres, Turvey was held-up and unfortunately dropped down the field.
Unbelievably despite the conditions getting worse as the rain came down harder, Turvey managed to make the top five and go on to hand over to his teammate after hour one of the race with the Nissan back in first place.
By the time Dolan had exited the pits he had naturally dropped down two places, but he had moved back into second place when the safety car was dispatched due to the weather conditions, as the race reached the halfway point.
The leaders pitted at this point promoting Jota back into top spot, as they continued to follow the safety car. The race was then halted early due to the track conditions handing the Jota Sport team the victory in the opening race of the season.
After making his debut in the Zytek powered Nissan, a clearly delighted Turvey said: “This has been a great first weekend in LMP2 and the European Le Mans Series with pole and the race win, which came in really tricky conditions.
“We started on slicks which made the first lap extremely challenging, but after slipping to seventh I was able to work my way back up. The team played a big part in this as they did a great job and allowed me to feel very confident in the car all weekend. Overall it’s been the perfect way to start the season and I’m already looking forward to the next race.”
It wasn’t just the drivers who were delighted with such a fantastic start to the ELMS campaign, Team Principal Sam Hignett was pleased too.
He said: “It’s rewarding to start the season with a win after putting in a lot of work over the winter months. The drivers proved a perfect combination with Oliver mighty in qualifying and Simon managing extremely well in what were dreadful race conditions, so a big well done to both.
“At heart we’re racers so naturally we’d like to have fought all the way to the chequered flag, but on outright pace I believe we were worthy winners today. Hopefully the weather will be better next time out and we can really show what we’re capable of.”
The ELMS season heads to Imola next on 18th May, but before that Jota Sport will be taking part in the FIA World Endurance Championship, over the May Bank holiday, as they prepare for the Le Mans 24 hour race in June.