Track record time for Negri in Mexico City
“We are not quite where we want to be yet, but this was a good start for us," said Negri. “The biggest thing is that Mark did a great job today. He was really quick here last year, but today he was even faster even when he was running with tires that had a lot of laps on them, so that’s very encouraging for the race. Michael Shank Racing has once again prepared a great car and the Lexus guys have been fantastic, so there’s no question I’m optimistic about this weekend. I am also really excited to be racing back in Mexico once again."
The sister Michael Shank Racing entry of Ian James and Henri Zogaib also started the weekend off on the right foot despite neither driver having ever seen the track before as the No.6 Lexus/Riley posted the eighth quickest time of the day.
“I’m still learning the track a bit," said James. “But the test we had before this race was really helpful and I have a lot of confidence in the car. There is a ways to go yet of course, but this was a good way to get the weekend started."
“A good start for both cars and I think Ian is right that the test was a good way for us to get ready for this weekend and will hopefully keep paying off all season," said Shank. “Henry and Ian have done a great job getting up to speed on just their first day here, and even though we are no longer using traction control and have a new tire to work with, both Mark and Oz are faster than they were here last year, so its exactly how we wanted to get the weekend started."
Friday’s schedule will see one practice session in the morning before the fifteen-minute qualifying session starting at 11:40 AM local time.