After finishing 2012 in victory lane at Petit Le Mans and finishing second with Scott Sharp in the ALMS GT driver’s championship, Johannes van Overbeek enters the new season full of confidence and his sights set on a championship win.

During the opening session on Thursday morning, the No. 01 ESM Ferrari continued 2013 where 2012 left off – atop the GT timing sheet with a best lap of 2:01.656 (110.673 mph).

“Our first day back on track was good,” van Overbeek said.

“We’re just working on getting the bugs out of the Ferrari and out of my brain from the Daytona race. The Ferrari we raced in Daytona has a different set-up and tires, plus the Daytona circuit is completely different than Sebring.

“Just like all my seasons before this one – I’m going to take every session and every race and approach them very seriously, focused and aggressive.

“We’re going to do the best job we can. If we do that, it will add up every session and that’s how pole positions are earned and races are won. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to win a championship this year.”

van Overbeek also completed some laps on two wheels at the famous Sebring circuit. ESM Ferrari tire technical partner Michelin launched a new range of bicycle tires today with avid cyclist van Overbeek tried the new tires on the 3.7 mile Sebring circuit.

“Today I had a chance to try Michelin’s new bicycle tire.  I did a lap around the track and would have liked to do a couple more,” van Overbeek said.

“I was really impressed to see their new offering and I look forward to trying them even more on my bike at home. The bump compliance was really good – and you certainly get that tested around here on two wheels or four.”