Mario Farnbacher’s first podium finish of the 2016 season draws closer: in the 12 Hours of Sebring, the 23-year-old narrowly missed a position amongst the top three and had to settle for fourth. Almost up to the very end of the eventful race, the Franconian and his two team colleagues Ian James and Alex Riberas were heading for the podium.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t quite make it, but we’ll get there”, said Mario Farnbacher, ready for battle again after the race in Sebring. The Alex Job Racing team driver was one of the fastest in the Florida endurance classic. After the start, Farnbacher promptly drove from fourth to second position.
In the course of the race, an enthralling fight for the top positions developed and Mario Farnbacher took the lead more than once. “But torrential rain meant a red flag after a few hours”, the Porsche pilot explained. “Which was a pity, because we were driving really well in the wet conditions. But of course, safety is more important.”
The race then went green and Farnbacher and his teammates continued the chase for the podium. The final crucial moment was the battle for third position during the last lap and it looked as though Farnbacher had it in his pocket, but on the final corner, Audi driver Andy Lally passed him. “The last 20 minutes were incredibly tough and unfortunately I didn’t see the Audi on the last corner until it was too late, which meant he could overtake me a few metres before the finish”, said Farnbacher.
Although Mario Farnbacher lost the hope for podium at the end, he was feeling very confident after Sebring. “That was our second race with the new Porsche 911 GT3 R and we’ve taken a big step forwards again. I’m quite sure it won’t be long before we’re cheering on the podium of the next race in Laguna Seca.”
After two races in the USA, Mario Farnbacher’s first race in Europe this season is scheduled for the 2nd April. The 23-year-old Franconian is at the start of the VLN Langstreckenmeisterschaft on the Nürburgring. In this popular endurance series, Farnbacher will be sharing the Lexus RC F GT3 wheel with brother Dominik.
