Another mechanical failure robs Sailesh Bolisetti of a promising result
Sailesh Bolisetti who had hopes of resurrecting his British GT championship challenge after the DNF debacle at Rockingham was further disappointed at Brands Hatch when his Evora's front suspension gave up. At the iconic British circuit on Saturday, the team ran the first session with Sailesh's teammate Phil Glew to work on the setup and the Lotus Evora GT4, showed some very dominating pace. Phil's time was just two-tenths off the ultimate GT4 lap record.
When Sailesh got to drive the car, he was bogged down with a fuel surge, malfunctioning throttle sensor and a spin on track, resulting in a slow progress for the team. The team missed out on the pole position in the single qualifying session by 0.003s, having to settle for the second position. On race day, just before the lights went out, it started to rain. The Evora GT4 was on slicks and while negotiating turn one, the car in front spun, forcing Sailesh to slow down. During this time, several cars overtook him. However by the 10th lap, the rain stopped and Team Lotus Sport UK saw that they still had time to make it to the podium.
The joy was short-lived though as Sailesh suddenly lost control of the car at a 140kmph right-hander and avoided meeting the Armco by inches. A quick inspection revealed that the front suspension of the car had failed. The team is reported to have taken up this matter with Lotus Cars as this is the second DNF for them due to a mechanical failure. Currently Team Lotus Sport UK is third in the championship standings.
The fifth round of the British GT is scheduled at the Snetterton Circuit on August four and five.
