BAR1 Motorsports Turns Up The Heat At American Le Mans Series Winter Test

BAR1 Motorsports not only unveiled their new livery at the 2013 American Le Mans Series winter test, the team set the stage for implementing their blueprint attack on the 2013 Championship. Presenting a fully turned out two-car program, BAR1 set the fast times in class during both days of testing. Five of the team's six scheduled drivers put in seat time as crews and engineers worked to equalize handling and performance for both cars.

Team owner, Brian Alder was quite pleased with the team's performance and overall direction.

"This was an excellent 2-day test," said Alder. "We consistently held the top 1 and 2 spots on the time chart and we achieved all of our goals. This included bringing our 3rd drivers Stefan Johansson and Chapman Ducote up to speed. The crew has done a great job rebuilding and prepping our cars and equipment during the off-season and I think that effort really showed."

Kyle Marcelli returns to BAR1 and will share the No. 8 car with Chris Cumming. Kyle remarked on the teams performance and the test.

"I was really pleased with our first outing for 2013," said Kyle. "This was a perfect opportunity to get Chris [Cumming] and Stefan [Johannson] comfortable in the car. Brian and BAR1 Motorsports had done a superb job re-structuring the team and have put together a winning program. All the small details of the program have been an important focus and I think that is what will make a difference this year."

"As for the test itself, we didn't go as quick as we did a few weeks ago," added Kyle. "The track conditions were very different. There has been a lot of club racing and track days taking place at Sebring over the last few weeks. It seems the different rubber doesn't match well. Regardless, we set the quick lap both days of the test and learned a lot of new things about the cars. We had the opportunity to try new things  and  get Stefan in the car. He brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the team, so it was nice to hear his feedback.  Overall. i'm really happy with our performance and I look forward to the 12 Hour in March."

"It felt great to be back in a prototype car again," added Stefan Johannson. "This was a great opportunity to get acquainted with everybody on the team including my co drivers Kyle [Marcelli] and Chris [Cumming]. Everyone did a great job and I was very impressed with the team… both in terms of preparation and presentation. Everybody on the team is very focused and motivated to get the job done. I am proud to be part of the organization. We learned a lot from the test which will be useful for the race. I can't wait to get back in the car and get on with the job at hand."

Rusty Mitchell took the lead sorting out the No. 7 car while teaming with Chapman Ducote on day one of the test.

"It was great being back in a car with the BAR1 guys for the Sebring winter test," said Rusty. "The No. 7 LMPC car was fast right away. That gave Chapman and I more time to focus on maximizing the amount of track time we could put in. I ran quick time on Friday morning which stood for most of the day until Kyle in the No. 8 team car posted a quicker one later in the day. The crews worked great together making both cars quick. I think this will really serve us well during the 12 Hour. I really appreciate the hard work the BAR1 guys put in during the off season…  it really showed."