Balfe looking for more Silverstone joy as GT Championship returns
COUNTY RACER EYEING A SECOND PODIUM FINISH
SHAUN Balfe will be looking to repeat last year’s podium finish in the Silverstone 500 when the British GT Championship returns to the home of the British Grand Prix on Sunday.
The Leicestershire man, who finished a solid second last year, is sharing his Garage 59 McLaren 720S GT3 Evo with Adam Smalley, the reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Champion.
The duo just missed out on overall podium finishers in the opening GT rounds at Oulton Park over Easter.
But fifth and fourth overall still saw them as double winners in the Silver Am Class.
“It will be good to be on an F1 standard track after Oulton,” said Balfe, 51.
“It went well though, but the real work starts here. We are on the map, but this is a real three-hour endurance, rather than 25 minute sprints,” he said.
“It will be a team effort this weekend too as strategies will affect the results,” he added.
The weather is currently forecast to be unsettled and cool, so difficult to generate heat in a race tyre.
“The temperatures are essential for the McLaren, or it gives an advantage to front engines cars like the Mercedes and BMW,” Balfe added.
Both drivers had a test in the car last week, but Balfe is realistic about this year’s outcome.
“Two years ago we led the championship and had a puncture in the Audi, but last year we were fortunate and got second.
“This year we have to race hard and have a winning strategy. The aim is top five overall and another Silver Am win.”
Son Tom is also in action in the Ginetta Academy races, he will be looking to continue his progress too, having had a best of seventh at Oulton Park.
GT qualifying is on Saturday from 3.55pm to 4.19pm, with the race under way at 12.30 on Sunday for three hours, while the Ginetta Academy races are at 2.15pm on Saturday and 9am on Sunday.