LMS: Paul Ricard Preview

While not boasting the same level of competition seen in the ALMS, GT2 in the Le Mans Series still features a diverse field of contenders. (LAT)
Car count is certainly not an issue in GT2, with 13 entries representing five manufacturers at Paul Ricard this weekend.

Defending champions Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz return to the wheel of the No. 77 Team Felbermayr-Proton Porsche 997 GT3 RSR, with its sister car being steered by team owner Christian Reid, Porsche Junior driver Martin Ragginger and Porsche factory ace Patrick Long. Porsche’s increased effort includes Dubai 24 Hours winners IMSA Performance Matmut and FIA GT2 veterans Prospeed Competition, both also with a chance for the class win.

The star power could arguably be in the Ferraris this weekend, particularly from quasi-factory squad AF Corse. Fielding three F430 GTEs, the Amato Ferrari-owned operation will make its Series debut after claiming the last four GT2 titles in FIA GT competition. Formula One veterans Jean Alesi and Giancarlo Fisichella join Toni Vilander in the No. 95 car. But it’s the sister No. 96 entry of Jamie Melo and Gimmi Bruni that head in as favorites for the win and title.

There are other story lines in the production-based category, too, including the European debut of the Schnitzer Motorsport-run BMW M3, now in full ACO compliance, and JMW Motorsport’s switch from Ferrari to Aston Martin for 2010. Spyker Squadron could also play a role in the fight for a top-five, especially after the Dutch team’s late-season run of podium finishes last year.

While there are some notable teams absent, especially ones competing for the full-season championship, this year’s Le Mans Series season-opener will serve as a good gauge for Le Mans, which is of course the primary objective for many of the teams entered at Paul Ricard.

Two one-hour practice sessions kick off on-track activities on Friday, followed by a final practice and qualifying for Saturday. The Le Castellet 8 Hours gets the green flag on Sunday at 11 a.m. local (5 a.m. ET). Stay tuned to SPEEDtv.com for all of the action throughout the weekend.