Caerphilly racing driver Graham Cole and his team at Richwest Engineering are hoping to build on last season’s promising overseas debut.
With two UK Open Sportscar Class titles already under his belt, Cole set his sights on success in the TTE series in France last year.
Driving his Richwest Engineering BPS7 Prototype Sportscar, Cole pulled off a win in the wet at the famous Magny-Cours racetrack in December despite being up against the more aerodynamic Norma and Ligier prototype cars.
Cole, a former rally driver, said: “It was our first visit to Magny-Cours and from the outset I loved the layout.”
“With the cold, wet conditions it reminded me of [rallying on] Mynydd Epynt in the winter.
“Despite qualifying third on the grid in drier conditions, when the rain kicked-in I knew we were in with a chance as our car has great mechanical grip even if the aerodynamics don’t yet match that of the rival Norma and Ligier prototypes.”
In incredibly slippery conditions Cole made a good start maintaining position but failed to overtake the $100,000 Norma of polesitter Christian Labarbe or the Radical SR3 of Adrian Girarde.
Both cars were streaking ahead after just four laps, but on lap five Girard put in a gravel trap. With the safety car out, new leader Labarbe took advantage and pitted with Cole following suit.
The protracted safety car delay allowed Cole to close in on the leader under waved yellows. On lap 11 when the safety car pulled in, Cole found himself right on Labarbe’s tail and challenging for the lead.
Cole was thinking of overtaking opportunities when Labarbe spun off.
He said: “I suppose I should be sporting and express some sympathy for Christian, but in truth I was delighted.
“My only worry was following him into the gravel as that part of the track had become treacherous and I found myself sliding in tandem with just enough grip to avoid contact. That was close.”
With the two leaders out of the race it was left to Cole to control the pace, something he did brilliantly bringing the BPS7 home for a well-judged win and its first ever victory in the French-based TTE series.
With the car and crew safely back home, a complete rebuild is underway ready for the start of the 2019 season which starts at Val de Vienne circuit next month.
With his first TTE win under his belt hopes are high for Cole to launch a full-blooded attempt at taking the TTE/Free Proto title this year.