Pro-racer Oli Webb has visited the home of Team BRIT at Dunsfold Aerodrome, getting a taste for the team’s cars and tech whilst meeting its drivers and crew.
LMP1 Le Mans racer Oli has competed in the iconic Le Mans race four times in the top category and is an ambassador for Team BRIT sponsor Texaco. On Tuesday 1st June he visited team HQ to learn more about the team’s work and its plans to enter British GT next year.
As part of his visit, Oli, who is racing in the World Endurance Championship this year, met drivers Aaron Morgan, Bobby Trundley, Luke Pound, Andy Tucker and Matty Street and discussed the team’s goal to race at Le Mans, sharing his experiences of the challenges associated with the world’ most prestigious endurance race.
He also got to grips with the team’s world-leading hand control technology, testing his sim racing prowess on the Vesaro simulator as part of the day’s sim battle.
Oli was narrowly beaten on the virtual Brands Hatch circuit by YouTube superstar and sim racing expert Jimmy Broadbent, who had also visited HQ for the day.
Oli was also able to test out the hand controls in the team’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4, taking it for a spin around the Top Gear Test Track under the guidance of team coach Jamie Falvey.
Oli said “I’ve known of Team BRIT since their days in the Fun Cup where I took part in a test a few years ago.
“My partnership with Texaco reignited my interest in what they are doing, then having seen them performing so well in Britcar, it was great to come along and see what the team is all about.
“It was nice to get a feel for the hand controls. I have friends who have raced with hand controls for years, so I’ve always had an interest in the adaptations that are available. It gives you an entirely new respect for what they’re achieving when you feel what they are like to use.
“Driving with only your hands is like ‘re-learning to walk backwards’, it challenges your motor neurone senses and hand/eye coordination. I loved the brake system, but it would take a few laps for me to get fully confident.
“It was a pleasure to meet Aaron and Bobby and I felt privileged and honoured to drive their car. I’ll be watching the team’s season with interest.”
Photo credit: @Justin_hast_ @santarastudios
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