24h Le Mans
The drivers of the #50 Oreca 07-Gibson fielded by the Richard Mille Racing Team nailed the 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans with flair. Tatiana Calderón, Sophia Flörsch and Beitske Visseur anchored female lineups as a firm fixture at the classic Le Mans race.
“They did an outstanding job, without the slightest mistake. They have our highest praise and respect for their flawless performance,” said Team Signatech manager Philippe Sinault as he summed up the showing of Tatiana Calderón, Sophia Flörsch and Beitske Visser behind the wheel of the #50 Oreca 07-Gibson LMP2 entry. The Richard Mille Racing Team was eagerly awaited at the 88th 24 Hours and did not disappoint. The all-female team kept up a seamless and constant pace throughout the race, putting in their triple stints without making the slightest error at the wheel. Their efforts were rewarded with positions of 13th overall and ninth in the LMP2 class.
“Every lap of the track was a real challenge in itself, other than driving in day and night conditions," said Calderón. "We learned something with every lap and I really believe that all three of us have gained a huge amount of experience this week”. German driver Flörsch added: “It was an amazing race, and it didn't rain in the end. This is a really special circuit and I want to say a huge thank you to Richard Mille and everyone who made this experience possible. I really enjoyed working with Beitske, Tatiana and the whole team.” Visser pointed out that this was the first time at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for herself and both her teammates. “It wasn’t easy to be ready on time given this year’s condensed schedule," the Dutch driver admitted. "That makes it even more unbelievable that we finished this race that everyone wants to take part in, let alone being placed in the top ten of our class.”
The women’s successful debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans already has the Richard Mille Racing Team itching to repeat the experience with higher ambitions. In the meantime though, Visser, Flörsch and Calderón will be competing in the European Le Mans Series at the 4 Hours of Monza on 9-11 October 2020, in the penultimate round of the 2020 season of the European championship.
Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, LE MANS 24 HOURS, SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2020, RACE. The #50 Oreca 07-Gibson entered by the Richard Mille Racing Team came 13th overall and 9th in the LMP2 class.
Further reading: 24 Hours of Le Mans - Pascal Vasselon: "A goal we had to achieve".
