DRIVER NEWS: Belén García is poised for a two-day break from her academic obligations this summer, which include numerous exams, to compete in the fourth round of the 2023 Michelin Le Mans Cup at Motorland Aragon in north-eastern Spain. In what is a second Spanish round for the Barcelona driver, her goals include further integration within the world of Endurance racing ahead of next year’s Le Mans 24 Hours.
García is studying for a degree in telematic engineering, meaning her summer has been a far cry from spending time on the beach or in the swimming pool. For Motorland this weekend, the studies are now placed on hold. “I come here from a very tough exam period for me,” Belén says. “In fact, they’ve changed the date of the last one for me to be able to compete here; for that I’m very grateful indeed to all of the people involved at La Salle Campus Barcelona. After that will come my well-deserved holidays!”
Round 4 of the Michelin Le Mans Cup is the penultimate fixture of the season and sees Mark Richards rejoin the 360 Racing team. The #25 duo in the Ligier have clear aspirations.
“The challenge is always the same: demonstrating good pace in free practice and maintaining it across qualifying and into the race,” Belén continues. “Let’s hope racing at home serves as a good luck charm.”
Motorland Aragon is an anti-clockwise, 5.3-kilometre (3.2-mile) layout and a popular stop-off for endurance races. It serves as good ‘practice’ for next year’s huge event at Le Mans.
“Motorland is a very technical circuit and one on which I don’t have too much experience,” García admits. “I’m learning right from the off. Between everything else I’ve had going on, I’ve dedicated as much time as possible to being on the simulator. My latest experiences here come from Spanish Formula 4 and a GT meeting, although they were some time ago.”
Without a doubt, the latest of several heatwaves to hit Spain this year is going to present an enormous challenge. Temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius could be somewhat horrendous, meaning good hydration will play an absolutely vital role.
“In this regard, I’m fortunate to have help from the Sant Cugat CAR team just outside Barcelona,” Belén says. “They help with supplements and all sorts of things. Staying on good form will be essential to maintain maximum concentration and to be able to manage the heavy traffic that is to be expected during the race.”
No fewer than 40 vehicles are going to be on-track during the event, so it’s going to get crowded! The action begins on Thursday with one free practice session in the morning and another in the afternoon. Qualifying will come at 10:50am local time (CET+1) on Friday followed by the 110-minute race from 5:40pm on Friday.
