[23-07-2013]
FRANCK MAILLEUX SHINES IN AUSTRIA AS ELMS HEADS INTO THE SUMMER
 Franck Mailleux heads into the traditional summer break in high spirits after another impressive performance in the European Le Mans Series, this time around the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
Franck, together with the Morand Racing team and team-mate Natacha Gachnang, finished in a highly creditable third place to secure their second consecutive ELMS podium of the season. The result has taken Morand Racing to fifth in the ELMS team standings and Franck up to sixth place overall with two races left to contest later in the year.
The first visit by the ELMS to Red Bull Ring was met with hot conditions over the weekend but the comparatively short nature of the track made traffic the biggest obstacle in the race. Franck looks back at his weekend.
Quick Q+A with Franck Mailleux
Franck, a great result for you and the team, how was it from your point of view?
“It was a good weekend both in terms of our performance level and also operationally. We worked very well as a team and were able to get a lot of competitiveness out of the Morgan Judd and Dunlop package. There were a few things we could have improved, which is quite normal during a busy race weekend, but it was fantastic to score a second ELMS podium and to improve our championship standings.”
It was the first visit to the Red Bull Ring for ELMS, what did you make of the circuit?
“It is always nice to visit new venues and to experience new circuits, so it was fun in that respect. When you have up to thirty cars on a shorter circuit it always means there is a lot of traffic, which makes the racing quite tricky, that was the only downside. I wasn’t able to get a clear lap in qualifying but we still lined up fourth and could transfer that pace into a podium, which was our target. We had hot weather during the weekend and the car suited the circuit layout very well. We had good reliability, speed and I think we can be pleased with how we performed.”
What’s the plan for the summer break?
“Our next ELMS race is not until September so we have nearly two month to reflect on the races we have had this season, including the Le Mans 24 Hours. There are plenty of positive aspects to take from our season so far and I am confident we can resume racing in September with a similarly good performance. I also plan to take enjoy the summer but at the same time to keep training, keep in shape and work with the Morand Racing team to be ready to fight hard at the next race.”
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