TF Sport take sensational WEC victory at COTA
In a thrilling race at Circuit of the Americas, TF Sport claimed their third FIA World Endurance Championship victory of the 2019-20 season following a race-long battle with Pro-Am title rivals Aston Martin Racing.
It came down to the final 30 minutes of the six-hour event, following tremendous stints from Salih Yoluç, Jonny Adam and Charlie Eastwood in the #90 Aston Martin Vantage GTE. At no point was the result certain, but superb performances from the team and drivers alike ultimately resulted in a fight to the flag and a valuable championship point haul with three rounds remaining.
The fifth round of the championship proved tricky for the team throughout the four-hours of Saturday practice, partly due to circuit and air temperatures. Come the qualifying shootout, Charlie and Salih were much more content with the handling of the Vantage, recording a time good enough for third in class.
Confidence was high heading into race day, and it was Salih who was charged with the first double stint of the event. The Turkish driver made a good start, battling initially with the #57 Project 1, before settling in behind the #98 Aston Martin of Paul Della Lana. This was the battle of the race and what that would see all three drivers pushing for the victory.
Salih made the pass for position as early as lap six, but the position reversed shortly afterwards. Approaching the one-hour point, the two made contact and even as both resumed, just 12 seconds covered the top three runners. Game on.
The second stint saw Salih defending form the #57 of Ben Keating behind. It was a robust performance and he was able to keep the #90 in the battle towards the front of the field before pitting and handing over to Jonny.
In opting to pit a little earlier than the rival #98, Jonny was able to make best use of clear air and the shorter stop strategy to vault second, quickly closing the gap to the leading #56.
Indeed, by mid-distance, the gap was down from 35 seconds to 20. Pitstop strategy however would continue to play a significant role as following the third stop, he found himself behind the #98 once again; this time being driven by Darren Turner.
Undaunted, Jonny soon passed the #98, closed on the Egidio Perfetti and then made the move for the lead with over two hours remaining. It was a very impressive double stint from the British GT Champion, handing over to Charlie with a small cushion. The pitstop strategy continued to play out with the #98 of Ross Gunn right in contention, taking the lead during the final stop.
This left Charlie with a clear challenge and one he executed perfectly with 20 minutes remaining, making the move for the lead with a clear pass; one he would hold to the chequered flag. The third win of the season moves TF Sport second in the standings, with 83 points, just two shy of the championship leaders heading to Sebring.
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