The 51st Annual Mobil 1
12 Hours of Sebring
Presented by Dodge
March 12-15, 2003
JML Panoz
Photo Courtesy:Panoz Motorsports
One of the newest team's in the American Le Mans Series, JML Team Panoz, is set to kick off its 2003 assault next weekend in one of America's oldest motorsport events - the 51st Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
The team will field two Panoz LMP-01 cars at Sebring with an international driver line-up including former ALMS GTS champion Olivier Beretta (Monaco), young star Gunnar Jeannette (USA) and experienced CART and sportscar ace Max Papis (Italy) combining aboard the #10 car.
The #11 Panoz will be piloted by experienced Canadians Scott Maxwell and John Graham and young Swiss ace, Benjamin Leuenberger.
The team completed its preparations on Friday when Beretta drove the #10 car at Road Atlanta. The Georgian team is motivated to complete a strong result for team owner John McLoughlin who is recovering in hospital after a recent stroke.
"We shook down the car on Friday afternoon and everything felt really good - I am really looking forward to heading down to Sebring for the race," Beretta said.
"The team has done a great job in preparing the cars and everybody on the team is very motivated to do well for John (McLoughlin).
"I have really strong team mates for this weekend and it is also great to be back in the American Le Mans Series on a full-time basis.
"It is the best sportscar championship in the world with great tracks, great crowds, great events - I am very happy to be back."
The 2003 Sebring event features one of the strongest entry lists in recent history including the North American debut of the Bentley GTP prototype.
Leuenberger, a former winner of the BMW ADAC Formula Junior Cup in Germany, is eagerly awaiting his prototype debut and first race in the United States.
"I never expected to get this opportunity so early in the my career," Leuenberger said.
"It is really exciting for me because the track has so much history - I can't wait to get in the car at Sebring.
"From Formula Renault and Porsche Carrera Cup, this is a big step for me, but I really am grateful for the opportunity."
JML Team Panoz will take part in unofficial testing on Monday and Tuesday at the historic Florida venue before official practice begins on Wednesday.
2003 Sebring Index
Home
Email Comments
Created and Designed by John Favata
