Bernhard Qualifies Sixth at Watkins Glen International
Porsche Driver Battles Under-Steer to Secure Third-Row Starting Position
August 6, 2009
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 6, 2009) – Timo Bernhard qualified the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Porsche Riley in the sixth position for Friday night’s Crown Royal 200 at The Glen.
Bernhard turned his fast lap at 134.185 M.P.H - just 0.661 seconds slower than the fastest qualifier on Watkins Glen International’s 2.45-mile short course. Bernhard attributed the lost speed to difficulty in the turns.
“The data reflects very similar lap times for the time I was in the [No. 12 Verizon Wireless Porsche Riley] so at least I can say I was consistent,” said Bernhard. “We still have a lot of work to do in tonight’s practice session. The car feels much like it has the last few weeks – there is a lot of under-steer; fast in the straights but very hard to get through the turns.”
Bernhard will complete the first stint of the two-hour timed event before turning driving duties over to his Penske Racing co-driver, Romain Dumas.
The drivers will take the green flag in round nine of the Rolex Grand AM Sports Car Series Presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season on Friday at 6:30 PM ET. The race will air later that evening on SPEED at 8:00 PM ET via tape delay.
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