Marino's Gripping Challenge

Apr 20 2008

Autosport

BATHGATE'S Marino Franchitti will start the latest round of the American Le Mans Series from a frustrating ninth place after teammate Butch Leitzinger struggled for grip with their car in qualifying.

But Franchitti, 29, who finished second in the opening round at Sebring, believes they can pull off another podium finish - at Long Beach, California - in their Dyson Porsche RS Spyder.

Franchitti said yesterday: "We struggled throughout the session but know what the problem is and will have it sorted for the race.

"It's going to be tough but we'll be ready."