It was a busy day for Team Modena yesterday with the delivery of their new Ferrari 430 GT in Italy, and the formal launch of the 2009 British GT campaign in association with team48 in London.
First Run for New Ferrari
Team Modena took possession of their new Ferrari 430GT racecar yesterday when it was handed over at Ferrari's Fiorano test track and immediately put through a shake-down by the team. Entered for the 2009 Le Mans Series, the red GT2-specification car was driven by Antonio Garcia and Leo Mansell - the 2009 LMS drivers - and the day also saw Nigel Mansell, a Formula One World Champion and ex-Ferrari driver, return to the Ferrari facility for the first time in 19 years.
"The whole day went very well," said Team Manager Hans Muelhbauer. "The Ferrari test driver took the car out, then handed it over to us and Antonio had the first run. Leo then went out and was impressive, he was in a new car, a new circuit and put in a very strong performance - he will be the perfect partner for Antonio.
"The car now goes to Jerez in Spain for two days of tyre testing next week."
The team are running the full season of Le Mans Series races in the GT2 category - numerically the largest in the series with 17 cars entered. The LMS season commences in Barcelona at the beginning of April.
Hurlingham Club Hosts Team Modena and team48 Launch
The formal launch of the association between Team Modena and team48 took place last night, Thursday 12th of March, at the Hurlingham Club in London with an unveiling of one of the Lamborghini Gallardos that will contest the 2008 Avon Tyres British GT Championship during a Salon Prive event at the exclusive venue. Representatives of both teams were in attendance at the popular event, and were a focus of attention as the wraps came off the Gallardo.
"it was a great evening," said Team Modena Sporting Director Rik Bryan. "The car and team went down very well and it was a superb way to set the ball rolling for the season."
"We had an excellent evening in a fantastic venue," said team48 founder Luther Blissett. "There was lots of interest in the team and we really enjoyed ourselves - I think we were the last to leave! It was nice to do a formal launch and it was very well received.
"We are hoping to be out testing in the cars at the beginning of March, and we are aiming to have four test sessions before the season starts in April."
The two teams are combining to use Team Modena's race expertise and cars to further team48's goals of being the first multi-racial group of drivers to competitively compete in sports car and GT racing on a national and international stage. Founded by Luther Blissett the team includes fellow ex-international footballers Les Ferdinand and John Barnes.
The 2009 British GT Championship will be held over eight meetings taking in the UK's major circuits and a visit to
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