To become champion of the VdeV Endurance Proto season (for which Motul is a historic partner), CD Sport's car had to finish in the first six at the 6 Hours of Estoril on 24 and 25 November. For the occasion, the team was composed of Sébastien Dhouailly and Thomas Accary and was completed by a third chap, Philippe Dumas. A former driver, Phlippe today manages Hexis Racing and was therefore going back to his earlier days at the wheel. The team brilliantly pulled the challenge off, coming 4th at the end of a highly disputed race. The team had started well by clinching the best time in the qualifyings on a damp track. It also rained during the race, which didn't prevent it from starting at a tremendous pace. After various incidents, including the retirement of its main contender, team CD took the lead during Accary's stint. A faulty alternator unfortunately forced the driver to make a pit stop and, when he started off again 10 minutes later, he was 10th, two laps behind Bole-Besançon, who was in 6th place. He then made a steady move forward followed by that of Philippe Dumas who took the last stint and who then proved to be the fastest of the race. He crossed the arrival line in 4th place, allowing the team to bag the 2012 championship title!
Results
01// Brandon Maïsano/Fabio Francia, Tatuus Racing
02// Yann Clairay/Julien Shell/Robon Longechal, Mécamoteur
03// Grégory Fargier/Christian Vaglio-Gios/Marc-Antoine Danielou, Palmyr
04// Sébastien Dhouailly/Thomas Accary/Philippe Dumas, CD Sport - Motul
Photo credits: Philippe Dumas
