24h Le Mans
TDS Racing, who took the start from first place, held the lead for more than four hours, while the Signatech-Nissan team had the win in hand before having to change a rear diffuser. Nonetheless, the Bourges-based team went home with another podium finish, reaching second place in the last half-hour.
It was enough to keep the ILMC championship lead in the LM P2 class for Mailleux/Ordonez/Ayari. Having dominated free practice and qualifying, the ORECA 03s got an excellent start. TDS Racing and Boutsen Energy Racing kept their first and second positions, while the Signatech-Nissan reached third place when Soheil Ayari passed the #42 Honda. Race Performance, with Frey/Meichtry/Rostan, following in seventh place. After a spin and a small detour through the gravel trap, Boutsen Energy Racing made a solid comeback, going from 10th to 5th after the second hour. Meanwhile, TDS Racing continued to widen the gap from the competition, of which Signatech-Nissan was one, running second despite having to change the rear bodywork. Although Boutsen Energy Racing had reached the race for the podium, the Belgian team was forced to pit in the third hour for a stop and go, then again for an electrical problem. Race Performance was forced to retire after a vibration problem linked to the BMW-Judd engine.
At the halfway point, two ORECA 03 still maintained the lead. But while, the trio Thiriet/Beche/Firth continued their flawless race, Mailleux/Ayari/Ordonez were forced to stop to replace a rear diffuser just before the last two hours. The #26 fell from second to fourth place. Half an hour later, TDS Racing stopped to change the starter while running in the lead with a lap advantage. The pole winning #46 rejoined the action in eighth. After six hours of racing, of which they were the quickest all day, three of the four ORECA 03 would see the finish. Signatech-Nissan fought hard to the chequered flag to reach the second step on the podium in the last few minutes, while TDS Racing and Boutsen Energy Racing finish seventh and ninth respectively.
“Since the start of the season, we’ve been fighting for the win” explains Franck Mailleux, who had a very good stint for Signatech-Nissan. “TDS Racing was very quick and deserved the win. For us, the reliability was there but we didn’t have any luck with a broken diffuser. My triple stint went well, even if the setup wasn’t just right. We’re learning and we still need to work. We are maintaining the lead in the ILMC so that’s positive. ”
“I was careful at the start “ confides Jody Firth driver of TDS Racing. “I was up against pro drivers, but I was able to widen the gap. My double stint went well, with a car that was easy to drive. I also tried to use the least amount of fuel as possible thinking about the finish. We were able to get a lap up on the competition. At the end of the day, I’m disappointed for the team, but I’m happy with my performance personally.”
(Source: Oreca Racing Car Manufacturer press information)
Photo : CIRCUIT ENZO E DINO FERRARI (IMOLA, ITALY), 6 HOURS OF IMOLA, RACE, 3 JULY 2011.The car of Boutsen Energy Racing with Signatech-Nissan and TDS Racing the third Oreca at the finish line of teh fourth round of the ILMC.
