24h Le Mans
The starting grid for the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans has been decided after four free practice sessions, qualifying and the Hyperpole.
LMP1 | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and Rebellion Racing facing off
Pole position: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's #7 Toyota TS050 Hybrid in 3:15.267
Though the #7 Toyota TS050 Hybrid shared by Mike Conway/Kamui Kobayashi/José María López clinched pole position, Swiss team Rebellion Racing managed to place its two Rebellion R13-Gibsons in second and fourth positions. The #1 driven by Bruno Senna/Norman Nato/Gustavo Menezes finished just five-tenths of a second behind the #7 Toyota. Rarely have the non-hybrid LMP1s been seen so close to the Japanese cars. ByKOLLES Racing's #4 Enso CLM P1/01-Gibson will start from the fifth spot.
LMP2 | A great battle ahead
Pole position: United Autosports' #22 ORECA 07-Gibson in 3:24.528
With four cars in the same second, this order could be misleanding as several teams did not manage their best performance against the clock, namely Jackie Chan DC Racing, Jota, Signatech Alpine Elf and Duqueine Team. An exciting battle is promised in LMP2, however, Anglo-American outfit United Autosports has confirmed its domination of the class. The team is leading the classification in the FIA WEC and ELMS championships.
LMGTE Pro | Six cars within the same second
Pole position: Porsche GT Team's #91 Porsche 911 RSR-19 in 3:50.874
Competitors in LMGTE Pro are still as close as always in terms of pace, so the starting grid established after qualifying and Hyperpole doesn't carry much weight. Six cars find themselves within the same second. Though the #63 and #82 Ferrari 488 GTE Evos fielded by WeatherTech Racing and Risi Competizione, respectively, did not qualify for the Hyperpole, there are still top contenders for the win.
LMGTE Am | Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin neck and neck
Pole position: Luzich Racing's #61 Ferrari 488 GTE EVO in 3:51.266
As in LMGTE Pro, it is difficilt to predict what will happen in this class. Still, the most consistent teams in performance and reliability have the best chance of winning. One thing is certain, the battle will rage between Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin. Keep your eye on AF Corse's #83 Ferrari 488 GTE EVO of trio François Perrodo/Emmanuel Collard/Nicklas Nielsen. The leaders in the FIA GTE Am Endurance Trophy certainly intend to try their chances.
88th 24 Hours of Le Mans Starting Grid:
