Carsport gets Zonda morale boost at Vallelunga.

Team Carsport Modena may have learned a lot from its Sebring test and race results, but ventured to Vallelunga last week to put more miles on its new Pagani Zonda GR ahead of its next outing at Le Mans.

During the private test session, the car was equipped with a standard engine as the team concentrated on suspension set-ups. With further development, driver Anthony Kumpen was able to record impressive some lap times and managed to run the entire two-day session without problems. Its morale boosted, the Carsport team now hopes that the Zonda's new engine will be available in a couple of weeks, allowing it to do more performance testing and development. In addition, further chassis and suspension tests are scheduled, as well as some aerodynamic tests.

The hard will not be in vain, either, following last week's good news from Le Mans organisers, the ACO. Although the car is brand new and Carsport Modena is focusing on the future, it was delighted to gain a GTS class entry to the 24 Hours, where it will again do battle with Ferrari and Corvette.

"This really is fantastic news," Kumpen said, "It's an honour for us to be present with the Pagani Zonda at the Le Mans 24 hours. This race is the most important endurance race throughout the world, and race fans from all over will now have the possibility to see this car racing in its first important race. We still have to improve the car, so that in the near future we can compete at the highest level."

The silver-and-blue Zonda GR will carry the # 61 plate at Le Mans, where Kumpen will share driving duties with project overseer Mike Hezemans.