Only 31 seconds behind the leader at the chequered flag in the 12 Hours of Sebring for the ARX-01e, the latest from Honda Performance Development (HPD), was an impressive demonstration in its first race.

The feat is all the more incredible, because the LM P1 prototype fielded by Duncan Dayton's team had completed its very first laps just a week before the Florida classic. After a superb second place, the owner and drivers, David Brabham, Marino Franchitti and Simon Pagenaud heaped praise on the car and the work of the team.

David Brabham: “The car was built, sent to Florida, we ran it for the first time last Saturday with a systems check and then got stuck into testing on Monday. It was not really the ideal preparation for one of the biggest sportscar races in the world but when you think about the result we picked up today – it is absolutely stunning."

Marino Franchitti: “I said earlier in the week that everyone has been at maximum capacity all week – yet when it came to race time the pit stops were perfect, the strategy was perfect, we did nothing but give it fuel and tires all day."

Simon Pagenaud: “I think this car could be a very good contender at Le Mans – I will have to keep an eye on it and be careful when I am back in the Peugeot.”

Duncan Dayton: “There isn’t a mark on the car, we never took the engine cover off, it is just a testament to what a powerful partnership this is. Without Michelin’s great support and the fantastic tires they provided throughout the race, we couldn’t have performed as well as we did.”

Apart from the start of IntercontinentalLe Mans Cup 2011, the 12 Hours of Sebring also marked the opening round of the American Le Mans Series, and Highcroft Racing made a good start towards a third consecutive title!

Jean-Philippe Doret
(According to press information of Highcroft Racing)

Photo: Sebring (Florida, USA), March 19, 2011. The next race for the HPD ARX-01e of Highcroft Racing with ILMC will be the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 11-12).