9.04.09 Full racing schedule for Wolfgang Kaufmann

Wolfgang Kaufmann is looking at a full schedule for this season.

AT Racing GT1 Corvette C5R

Callaway Competition Corvette Z 06 R

Formula Le Mans Test Paul Ricard

Lavaggi LMP 1 AER

Just as in previous years, the man from Molsberg will be driving the LMP1 prototype of Giovanni Lavaggi in selected rounds of the 2009 Le Mans Series. “The plan is that we will take part in the Spa-Francorchamps and Nürburgring races, with the possible addition of Silverstone. I'm intrigued by the thought of further accompanying Giovanni and his Scuderia Lavaggi in their project. We had some positive development in 2008, let us not forget that we don't have a factory budget. We have a small budget but a fantastic, enthusiastic and professional team around Giovanni”.

There will be additional prototype outings for Kaufmann in the new Formula Le Mans. This is a new series launched by the ACO, organisers of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The identical cars prepared by ORECA will be driven by an experienced driver, and an amateur. For more on the championship, see >www.formulalemans.com<

These LMP2 style chassis will race at four LMS meetings, as well as in an end-of-season endurance race at Paul Ricard. The highlight of the year will be a 60 minute race at the 24 Hours weekend at Le Mans.

The cars are powered by a Chevrolet 6.2 l V8 engine that produces over 430bhp. Wolfgang Kaufmann will be competing together with Luca Moro from Italy. “We have just tested the car at Paul Ricard, and I am impressed by its performance”, says Kaufmann. It is a true LMP2, with slightly less power than the Le Mans Series cars. The competition will be for sure very strong, with young single seater aces, experienced endurance drivers and real amateurs”.

Kaufmann will, however, turn his back on GT racing this year. When no decision was made on the future of AT Racing over the winter months, he decided to sign up for FIA-GT3. Classed as a gold driver, he will also be driving together with Luca Moro. Kaufmann's ties with Callaway Competition go back a long time. “I did some aerodynamic testing for Callaway in 1994 with their Le Mans Corvette C4. With the GT3 version of the current Corvette Z06 R, the team around Ernst Wöhr has created a sensationally good, competitive GT3 car capable of winning. I am very motivated and am looking forward to fighting for victories and podium finished in the FIA-GT3 European championship with Callaway Competition and Luca Moro”.

Additional races are scheduled with AT Racings GT1 Corvette C5R, prepared by Sepp Renauer, in the Czech endurance championship with team mate Alexander Talkanitsa. The first of these races will go ahead on April 25 at Brno with the “Spring meeting of Masaryring”

Nothing definite is in the books at the moment for the classic 24 hour races at his favourite and home circuit Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps. Talks with competitive teams are ongoing and the coming weeks will bring a decision.