Griffin looks forward to #Imola European Le Mans Series #ELMS

GT ace, Matt Griffin heads to the famous Imola race circuit in Italy this coming weekend for round 2 of the 2016 European Le Mans Series, and is hopeful for a podium finish.

The Irishman will pilot the number 55; AF Corse entered Ferrari 458 GTE in the LMGTE class of the series, alongside his regular team mates, Duncan Cameron and Aaron Scott. Whilst Imola is a demanding circuit, the Cork based driver is confident with his knowledge of the track having gained a win there in 2013, along with a pair of 5th places in 2014 and 2015.

The 2013 European Le Mans Series LMGTE champion finished 4th in the 1st round of this year’s championship due being hit by another car and losing over a minute in the first hour of the race.

“Finishing 4th at Silverstone was not the perfect start to the championship but, considering the time we lost in the 1st hr, we did very well to come back and finish 4th in the end. Without the issue we would have been fighting for the win so even though finishing 4th was not what we wanted, our pace gives me confidence for the rest of the season” explained Griffin.

Matt continues, “Imola is a fantastic track with lots of history; it is one of my favourites. The circuit suits the Ferrari, but with over 40 cars on track, the traffic will be very demanding. I won this race in 2013 on the way to the championship and the aim is to win again. It will be important for us go get right on it from free practice 1”.

The Cork based driver is the 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series title holder and since the 1st round of the 2016 European Le Mans Series, has also raced in the round 1 of the 2016 Blancpain Endurance Series held at Monza few weeks ago. Unfortunately the race did not go as planned and after being fastest in pre-qualifying the car had to retire from the race due to damage at the rear. Griffin will miss round 2 of the 2016 Blancpain Endurance Series, which is taking place at Silverstone this weekend, due to a clash in the calendars.

The weekend will start with free practice 1 on Friday 13th May 2016 at 14.40 CET; free practice 2 will take place on Saturday 14th May 2016 at 09.35 CET, followed by qualifying at 13.50 CET. The 4 hour race will begin at 14.00 CET on Sunday 15th May 2016. More information can be found at http://www.europeanlemansseries.com .

 
About Matt Griffin

The 33-year-old, 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series Champion and 2013 European Le Mans Series Champion, has made quite an impact on international GT racing in the last few years, competing successfully in championships ranging from the FIA World Endurance Championship to International GT Open as well as racing closer to home in the British GT Championship. In the last five years he’s never competed in less than 24 races, all in a Ferrari, and in 2012 raced in 8 different series.

He has also broadened his experience, taking part successfully in endurance races in Australia, Malaysia and Dubai.

In all of these he has been behind the wheel of a Ferrari, and has worked closely in testing and developments with the Italian marque’s GT development partner and constructor, Michelotto Automobili.