Ginetta confirm CEFC TRSM will withdraw from 6 Hours of Spa

Ginetta have released a statement confirming that Chinese team CEFC TRSM will not be starting tomorrow's 6 Hours of Spa.

The metallic blue Ginetta G60-LT-P1s of CEFC TRSM have been conspicuous in their absence during the weekend, having only completed one lap per practice session and not going out at all in qualifying. There is now an official withdrawal from the team, and they won't be starting tomorrow's six-hour race. As it turns out, a cash flow problem has meant that the CEFC TRSM have not received promised funds from TRS (based in China) and as a result, Ginetta will not be releasing the two chassis.

According to Ginetta's statement: "The required funds for Ginetta were due some time ago and whilst we understand that TRS (China) has been working with its sponsors to sort the issues, without payment, Ginetta cannot allow the cars to race.  Ginetta remains committed to working with CEFC TRSM Racing (UK) on this programme."

Chairman of Ginetta, Lawrence Tomlinson said “We’ve got to a situation where a UK-based team with excellent ability, kit and personnel, plus a pair of the latest LMP1 cars with confirmed and fully paid up entries for the 2018/19 FIA WEC (including two entries at Le Mans in both 2018 & 2019) are unable to race simply due to funds not flowing."

CEFC TRSM have at least managed to get the car out on track during free practice and therefore in front of fans; they also kept the garage doors open for fans during today's pit walk. It's a shame that the team are unable to join the grid for the 6 Hours of Spa, but apparently, they have been assured that the funds are in place for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. However, whether there are any repercussions from the FIA WEC for skipping this round remains to be seen.

This article was originally published on Overtake Motorsport.
Shared with permission from the author.
Cover Image: Ginetta