TF Sport face a race against time to repair the British GT3 drivers’ championship-leading Aston Martin in time for this afternoon’s qualifying session at Spa after it sustained heavy damage during FP1 earlier today.
Derek Johnston and Team Parker Racing’s Callum Macleod were both pitched sideways into the barriers on the fast approach to Les Combes after oil was dropped by a GT4 European Series Maserati. While its momentum carried the Bentley backwards across the track and into the opposite Armco, causing enough damage for it to be subsequently withdrawn from the meeting, the #17 Aston crucially sustained substantial damage to only its front end.
The V12 Vantage’s ‘bolt on/bolt off’ front chassis element means TF Sport’s mechanics now face the sizeable but at least achievable task of repairing the car in time for this afternoon’s qualifying session.
“It’s touch and go,” said Johnston’s co-driver Jonny Adam, who has been roped in to help with the repairs. “The Aston’s clever front chassis means we can repair the sort of damage that might sideline other cars. The guys have had plenty of practice so know what they’re doing. It will be very tight for qualifying but that’s definitely the plan.”
Both Johnston and Macleod, who reported losing the car at 170mph, were uninjured in the accident.
This afternoon’s GT3 qualifying sessions begin at 15:45 local time.