Jaguar XF diesel racer wins on debut

Jaguar is popping the champagne corks following a class victory in the Nurburgring 24hr race with a rather unlikely entry – a diesel-powered XF.

Jaguar XF Diesel S (2011 onwards)

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake

New Jaguar F-Type

Privateer team Carvell Motorsport ran the 3.0-litre Diesel S in challenging weather conditions, eventually taking the class honours after leading the oil-burning pack for much of the race.

Andy Whyman, Chief Programme Engineer, XF, commented: “The team did an incredible job – on behalf of Jaguar Cars I would like to congratulate them on a fantastic result.

“I’m proud that they chose an XF as the basis for their Nurburgring race effort and their faith in the car was rewarded in such spectacular style.”

Covering 109 laps of the 14-mile track, the 296bhp Carvell Motorsport XF was driven by Nathan Freke, Colin White and Rob Carvell – with Jaguar lending the use of its Nurburgring Test Centre to support the first competitive outing of a derv-drinking XF.

Going into the race relatively untested, the XF proved a solid performer according to Ian Carvell, Team Principal: “We had very little running prior to the race, meaning our aim was to put in a solid performance and finish.

“To win our class and complete the race as the leading diesel is an incredible result for us – and testament to the strength and efficiency of the XF. It was quick and consistent over the 24hrs.”

The N24 weekend has taken off in recent years, with a mix of factory-backed and privateer teams descending on the green hell to take part. With 179 cars taking the start of the 2012 event, organisers estimated some 250,000 turned out to watch the action ‘ring-side.

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