The president of Team Penske, Jonathan Diuguid, has commented on the recent decision by IMSA to impose a sanction on Kevin Estre, highlighting that the penalty, although harsh, is part of the expectations that the team has ahead of the next championship event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Estre has been placed on a two-race probation period as a result of an accident during a race restart with Jack Aitken from Whelen Cadillac, while competing for second position at Road America. Furthermore, the IMSA race director, Beaux Barfield, admitted that they could withdraw Estre from competition if he becomes involved in a similar incident again.
In a recent press conference, Diuguid expressed his opinion on the severity of the punishment. «We have been in active communication with IMSA throughout the process. I think it is important to remember that Kevin has behaved exemplary throughout the season, with no prior incidents to this one,» he commented.
Diuguid also pointed out that, while considering the sanction severe, it is understandable within the competitive context. «IMSA has the right to communicate a message, and we have maintained an open dialogue with them. We need to focus on what we can control and accept that IMSA manages the championship with its own rules and objectives,» he added.
To better prepare for the Indianapolis race, the team has reshaped its driver lineup, placing Laurin Heinrich alongside Estre in the #6 Porsche 963. Heinrich, who is currently the best positioned Porsche driver in the standings, will be 118 points behind the leader, Aitken.
With the pressure building after the sanction, Diuguid attempted to downplay concerns over including a driver on probation. «I don’t think this compromises our championship aspirations. Kevin is extremely professional and knows how to handle each of the situations,» he concluded.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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