Mowlem gunning for outright Daytona win

Mowlem, one of the many stars to visit the AUTOSPORT International Show this week, was upbeat after the test and believes that the car he will share with Ralf Kelleners and Anthony Lazarro is a genuine contender for overall victory.

"The speed differences between our GT cars and the new Daytona Prototypes are not anywhere near as big as they used to be," said Mowlem. "Our car, which is one of the best prepared and will be one of the most competitive in the GT class, was only four or five seconds off their times."

Mowlem who has a long association with Porsche, found himself without a drive for the classic American race.

"I didn't have any commitments and I thought I would be nice to drive a Ferrari at Daytona!" he said, "but honestly the Risi team is a fantastic outfit, one of the best out there and they always have quick drivers in their team so it is good to be here."

Mowlem has yet to confirm his plans for 2003 but said he will be at Sebring and Le Mans. "It's difficult to know who I will be driving for until Le Mans issues its official entry lists, because it is always over subscribed. But I think whatever I drive at Sebring I will drive for the rest of the year. My goal is to do a full a season in ALMS, Sebring and Le Mans."