The 80th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans met people's expectations, with no shortage of tussles, sudden new developments and cars that came off the circuit requiring the intervention of the safety car. On 16 and 17 June, the Le Mans circuit witnessed happy and sad but always gripping moments.
Motul has been involved in this legendary race for many years and was particularly well represented this year. Indeed, no less than 10 teams (i.e. 14 cars) were supported technically by the company. Furthermore, in addition to the “Raccordement” corner bearing its colours, Motul partnered for the first time grid girls, there being 28 on the starting grid.
On the circuit, in LMP1 category, the premature withdrawal of the Toyotas left a clear field to Audi which clinched a splendid 11th win. Pescarolo Team's two cars, Pescarolo no. 03 and the Dome, unfortunately could not express all their qualities as they did not finish the race.
As expected, LMP2 category was much more fiercely contended, with a great number of competing teams. The teams supported by Motul did well since two podiumed, Thiriet By TDS Racing and Pecom Racing, both with Oreca-Nissans which arrived just behind the winner Starworks Motorsports. For Thiriet by TDS Racing, this 2nd place was unhoped for: occupying this position shortly after the departure, the car fell back as far as 16th position following punctures and mechanical problems. It regained second place by battling forward spectacularly, which made team manager Xavier Combet say: This result is an excellent surprise for a first participation and a fine reward for all the team and above all our partners who believe in the project. It's a converted try!' Meanwhile, the Argentinian team Pecom Racing proved to be very regular, without ever going beyond 7th position and by clinching a fine 3rd place.
In GTE Pro, Luxury Racing, supported by Motul, climbed the 2nd step of the podium, behind AF Corse's Ferrari 458 Italia. It's a very fine result when you bear in mind that the Monegasque team was participating in the Le Mans event only for the second time.
Last, in GTE Am, Larbre Compétition secured its third consecutive win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Having left from 8th place, the Corvette driven by Canal, Bornhauser and Lamy rapidly advanced to 3rd place, before fighting for the category win with Imsa Performance's Porsche. After a fierce overtaking manoeuvre, Larbre's faultless performance and its experience at Le Mans finished by paying off. 'The last half hour of race was very stressful for me', commented Bornhauser, 'the two leading cars were very close. We could lose the win in a few seconds.'
With 240,000 spectators, the Le Mans race confirmed its status as the world's greatest endurance race. The next WEC meet will be on 26 August at Silverstone.
Take a peak at a photo album on www.facebook.com/motul
Results
LMP2
01// Starworks Motorsports – Honda HPD
02// Thiriet by TDS Racing – Oreca Nissan - Motul
03// Pecom Racing – Oreca Nissan - Motul
LMGTE Pro
01// AF Corse – Ferrari 458
02// Luxury Racing - Ferrari 458 - Motul
03// Aston Martin Racing – Vantage V8
LMGTE Am
01// Larbre Compétition – Corvette C6.R - Motul
02// IMSA Performance Matmut – Porsche 911
03// Krohn Racing – Ferrari 458
