Le Mans, 9th June 2010 – After its sensational second place in the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race, Hankook Team Farnbacher this weekend contests the Le Mans long distance classic. Team principal Horst Farnbacher has targeted a top five placing in the GT2 class for his team in this year’s race on the Circuit de la Sarthe. In view of the strong opposition that is an ambitious target. However, thanks to revised aerodynamics on the Ferrari F430 GT and tyres specifically developed by Hankook for Le Mans, drivers Dominik Farnbacher, Allan Simonsen and Lehman Keen are optimistic.

Horst Farnbacher (Team principal): “It is vital for us to complete the race without major difficulties. Should we succeed, then a top-five placing could be possible. However, considering the number of works team participating in this year’s race, that will not be easy. One of trump cards could, though, be our Hankook tyres. I believe we can complete two stints on one set of tyres. As a tyre change takes about 30 seconds we could save a lot of time even if we are a second per lap slower.”

Dominik Farnbacher: “This year’s Le Mans 24-Hour Race is likely to be one of the toughest in the race’s history, particularly in the GT2 class, which is being contested by seven manufacturers. Ahead of us lies a massive challenge, so our primary objective is to have an error-free race. On this circuit top speed is important. Thus we need to set up the car for maximum speed, as that is where one makes up most of the time. For Le Mans we have updates on the front section and rear wing to reduce wind resistance. However, the competition is strong, and it is likely to be a big battle.”

Allan Simonsen: “If we approach the race in Le Mans as we did the 24-Hour Race on Nürburgring, then we should be in a position to deliver a good result. The competition is stronger than ever before, as the GT2 class includes numerous ex-Formula One and works drivers. Thus we need to work hard give of our best. I am, though, optimistic that the team and Hankook tyres will prove to be very competitive.”

Lehman Keen: „Our second place at the Nürburgring gave our team a big boost. However, for me nothing has changed really. I will try to do the best possible job in the car, showing a good pace and making no mistakes. Of course I’m excited, as the Le Mans 24 Hours is the greatest race on the planet. But after our strong performance at the Nürburgring we should be able to fight for top positions here as well.“