The Chip Ganassi Run Factory team endured a nightmarish outing at September’s Fuji, with its only Cadillac VSeries.R struggling with pace and taking a lot of work to repair damage from a loose wheel. After losing time, he finished 10 laps behind the winning Toyota. .
However, the Bahrain 8 Hours has so far proven just how fast Cadillac’s LMDh is, with Lin showing some great driving in three practice sessions and putting the car he shares with Bamber and Richard Westbrook ahead of the Toyotas. This placed him in a strong 3rd place on the grid, second only to .
This has raised hopes that Cadillac can finish its first WEC season on the podium, and Bamber said the team’s improved fortunes were a result of the work they put in after the event at Fuji.
“I think we bounced back well.” [from Fuji]” the Kiwi told Motorsport.com before qualifying. “We went out and did a lot of sim work and a lot of preparation.
“So I think we definitely did our homework and were able to get out there more.”
He added: “The second half of the season, we’re definitely running better and better, but things just don’t go our way.”
“Here in Bahrain too, if everything goes well, I think we have a chance to fight for the last spot on the podium.”
Toyota has lost just three races at the Bahrain International Circuit since it first joined the WEC calendar in 2012, with the last loss coming at the height of the LMP1 era in 2016.
Photo courtesy: JEP / Motorsport Images
#2 Cadillac Racing Cadillac V Series.R: Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn, Richard Westbrook
When asked if Cadillac could emerge as Toyota’s strongest rival in Bahrain this weekend, Lin told Motorsport.com:
“If we can be the closest challenger and put them… try to be there with them. It’s always our goal to fight them anyway.”
He added: “I think we’re definitely in a stronger position.” [compared to Japan]. We have worked hard since Fuji to take a step forward, but sometimes we may need to have a disappointing day to take a strong step back.
“So from our side, I think we’re getting better.”
Lin put in an impressive performance to secure his spot on the second row, but was still seven tenths slower than the time set by Brendon Hartley in the #8 Toyota GR010 HYBRID in pole position.
Toyota LMH cars are known for their very gentle tires, and that could play a big role in deciding the outcome of Saturday’s race.
When asked if Toyota’s strength in this field meant it was out of reach for Japanese manufacturers, Lin said:
“Of course, this is a race so anything can happen, but overall it looks very good.”
Photo courtesy: JEP / Motorsport Images
#2 Cadillac Racing Cadillac V Series.R: Alex Lin
Lin also predicts that LMDh’s rival Porsche will join the race for the strongest team after the overwhelming Toyota.
“Porsche seems to be doing well as well,” he said. “It’s going to be a close game against them.
“They have the factory cars and the Jota and the Proton, so we’ve got four of them and they all look good. It’s going to be fun. I’m excited.”
Cadillac’s first and only podium of the season came at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Lin, Bamber, and Westbrook finished third behind the winning Ferrari and second-place Toyota.