Despite recent concerns surrounding the Proton Competition’s Ford Mustangs catching fire due to distinctive exhaust issues during the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Qatar, Frederic Vervisch of Ford Multimatic remains unperturbed. The winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona GTD Pro class remains confident in his team, their maintenance capabilities, and the distinct conditions of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).
Vervisch, during a pre-Sebring press conference, was questioned about any potential anxieties. He confidently replied, “Not really.” The racer firmly believes the exhaust issue, which led to the Mustangs’ fires in Qatar, was specific to WEC regulations and not applicable to IMSA. He also added that it was a different team and hence, he fully trusts his team’s competence and diligence in maintaining the car.
Vervisch, fresh off his Daytona win, is striking a balance between optimism and realism as they head into the challenging Sebring race. He acknowledges that Sebring will pose a tough challenge, but he is ready to face it head-on. He noted, “We are leading the championship, so it’s the others who have to attack us. We will do our thing and then hopefully that’s good enough to stay where we are now.”
This marks Vervisch’s second appearance at Sebring, alongside his co-drivers Dennis Olsen and Christopher Mies in the #65 Ford Mustang GT3. The trio is set to compete in the 73rd edition of the 12 Hours of Sebring, slated for March 15, following the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Qatar 1812 km season-opener that took place on February 28.
The mishaps with the Mustangs in Qatar were due to a faulty exhaust header, which led to an early exit for the Proton Competition’s #77 Ford Mustang LMGT3 during the first WEC Prologue test session. Another fire incident occurred during the race itself. Ford Performance issued a statement, attributing the #77’s incident at Qatar to issues within the exhaust system. They added that the root cause has been identified and is being managed through mileage limitations among other undisclosed measures.
In the high-speed, high-stakes world of racing, it is this level-headed approach and unwavering confidence in his team that sets Vervisch apart. As the race at Sebring approaches, the motorsport community will be closely watching how Vervisch and his team navigate the challenges and keep the championship lead intact.
