Magic Johansson Leads Gulf Charge
in Portugal!
- - PRESS
INFORMATION - -
MAGIC JOHANSSON LEADS GULF CHARGE IN PORTUGAL!
London, UK, Wednesday 11th July 2001: The Gulf Audi R8 with Le Mans
winner and ex-Ferrari Formula One driver Stefan Johansson heads the
line-up of cars competing in this weekends Estoril 1000km, knowing that a
win will boost the Gulf teams chances of clinching the European Le Mans
Series outright and reward them with an automatic qualification for next
years Le Mans 24 Hours.
After two rounds of the ELMS, the Gulf-sponsored Johansson Racing team lie
in second place. The absence from the Portuguese race of the leading
works Audis determines that a win by the 3.6 litre twin-turbo powered Gulf
Audi R8 will put the team ahead of the field with only two rounds
remaining.
For Gulf Oil, Vice President - Global Brand Development, Vasant Bharath
explains, "we shall be keeping our fingers crossed that good fortune
is with us. The team are well prepared but we are only too aware that in a
long distance race there are many factors to consider." He
continues, "last weekend at the Goodwood Festival the car was an
immediate crowd puller, and yet again confirmed the feelings that surround
the traditional powder blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil. The
public expect success and after a disappointing Le Mans we are looking to
get back on-track with a strong result and a bit of the Johansson magic in
Estoril."
The driver line-up of ex-Ferrari Formula One star Stefan Johansson, BAR
Formula One test driver Patrick Lemarie, and former Formula Three and
Formula Nippon Champion Tom Coronel underlines the importance that the
Gulf team attaches to the race and their determination to secure a maiden
win in 2001. Estoril has happy memories for Stefan and Team Director
Mike Earle who were part of the Onyx Formula One team that gained a podium
finish in Estoril in 1989 and both men will be looking to leave the
circuit on Sunday evening with further success.
The race starts at 11.00 Sunday 15th July, qualifying takes place on
Saturday 14th at 11.45am
-ENDS-
Press release issued on behalf of Gulf Racing by Polygon Marketing
Solutions.
For further information contact Martin Allerton on:
Telephone : +44 (0)1242 511012
Facsimile : +44 (0)1242 241102
Email : GulfRacing@polygon.uk.com