The Chip Ganassi run-factory team endured a nightmare outing at Fuji in September, with its sole Cadillac V.Series.R finishing 10 laps down on the winning Toyota after struggling for pace and losing a chunk of time repairing damage caused by a loose wheel.
But Cadillac's LMDh has proved rapid so far in the Bahrain 8 Hours round, with Lynn putting the car he shares with Bamber and Richard Westbrook a season-best third on the grid behind the Toyotas after an impressive run in the three practice sessions.
This has raised hopes that Cadillac can end its first season in WEC on the podium, with Bamber saying the team’s improved fortunes are a result of the work it put in after the Fuji event.
“I think we have bounced back good [from Fuji],” the Kiwi told Autosport before qualifying. “We rolled off and we did a lot of sim work and a lot of preparations.
“So I think we have definitely done our homework and come out much more on the front [foot].”
He added: “The last half of the season we have definitely gotten better and better operating, just things haven't gone our way.
“I think here again in Bahrain we have the potential to fight for the last spot on the podium if everything goes well.”
Toyota has lost only three races at the Bahrain International Circuit since the Gulf venue first joined the WEC calendar in 2012, with its last defeat coming during the peak of the LMP1 era in 2016.
Source: Autosport