Austin's Circuit of the Americas is a relatively atypical track. 5.5km long and running anti-clockwise, COTA has 20 corners (11 left and 9 right). Featuring some spectacular changes in gradient, it is just as popular with drivers as it is with engineers looking to test the performance of their cars. The climb into Turn 1, nicknamed ‘Big Red’, and the triple-apex right-hander are particularly dreaded. But in Austin, the weather is also a determining factor. By its geographic position, the track is often exposed to the elements, especially storms that can be impressive and violent.
This year, although there wouldn’t be much action from the rain, the temperature in Texas remained sweltering. With an air temperature average of 35°C, and more than 50°C on track, the attention would be on the tyres and their degradation, especially as part of the track was recently resurfaced.
From Friday, the two first practice sessions set the tone. Esteban Masson finished the second session in fourth place by setting his best lap with 2m05.868s in the #87 Lexus RC F LMGT3. The following day, during FP3, his teammate “Pechito” Lopez set his best time at the end of the session, finishing P8, against fierce competition with minute gaps. Choosing a slightly different setup, the #78 was P12 in all three sessions.
A few hours later, with a track temperature of 52°C, the 10-minute qualifying session (mandatory for Bronze drivers) were going to be delicate. A lot of times were cancelled and drivers penalised for not respecting the track limits. In the #87, Takeshi Kimura saw his best lap time cancelled, falling to P17. In the Top 10 for the first half of the session, Arnold Robin (#78) crossed the finish line P12.
The weather was rather clement for Austin when it was time to start racing. The clouds parted for blue skies and the sun was just as hot. As imposed by the regulations, it was up to the Bronze drivers, Arnold Robin (#78) and Takeshi Kimura (#87) to start the race.
The start for the two Akkodis ASP Team crews was quite well behaved. You don’t want to rush unnecessarily in a 6-hour race. As the laps went by, a regular and sustained pace settled in. After 45 minutes, Arnold Robin was P13 and Takeshi Kimura P16. Being consistent does not mean being slow, and Arnold took advantage to set the peak speed of the race in his category with a speed of 263.9km/h.
Each driver completing a double stint, they both handed over to their teammates after two hours, Kelvin Van der Linde in the #78 and Esteban Masson in the #87. Paying extra close attention to the track limits, race control generously handed out warnings to those crossing the lines. Kelvin Van der Linde and Esteban Masson were no exception.
Shortly after the halfway mark, Kelvin Van der Linde (#78), heading into a double stint, slipped into the top 10, while Esteban Masson (P14) handed the wheel over to Jose Maria Lopez (#87). For the last two hours, still under the unrelenting heat, the pace did not let up. Clemens Schmit (P12) got into the #78, while Pechito Lopez continued his double stint (P13).
Placed under investigation for a technical infringement (right rear tire pressure below mandatory recommendations), the #78 received a 5s penalty and a stop and go. Half an hour later, the #87 was under investigation for not respecting a blue flag. The penalty landed five minutes later with a drive through.
The final hour of racing was intense and offered up some good fights. Despite the penalties, Clemens Schmid and Esteban Masson (back behind the wheel) did not let up, hoping to place both cars in the points. In the end, the #78 crossed the line in P9, achieving their goal, while the #87 missed out on 10th place by a hair.
Just as the Austin race has come to an end, it is off to Japan, the home of Lexus, to the Fuji Speedway (13-15 September). Meeting the Japanese fans and witnessing their fervour will undoubtedly be an intense moment for Jérôme Policand's team.
