Toyota took full advantage of its open goal to win a second consecutive Le Mans 24 Hours on Sunday. But even without opposition in the top LMP1 hybrid class, the Japanese manufacturer offered a story befitting its 30-year drama-filled epic at the great endurance race.
The #7 entry driven by Briton Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López comprehensively outpaced the #8 sister TS050 Hybrid driven by Fernando Alonso, Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima from the first qualifying session on Wednesday evening until one minute before 2pm on Sunday afternoon.
López had just pitted with just over an hour to go of the 24 hours when a sensor reported a puncture to his front-right Michelin. As it turned out, it was his right-rear tyre that had failed, and the Argentinian was forced to pit again – handing victory to Alonso, Buemi and Nakajima.
This marked a second consecutive Le Mans victory for the trio and confirmed the World Endurance Championship 2018/19 ’super season’ title that would have been theirs anyway had they finished in the runner-up position they truly deserved on this occasion. It means Alonso adds a third FIA world title to the pair he won in Formula 1 with Renault back in 2005 and 2006.
The puncture robbed the #7 crew of a win that had been theirs on merit. From pole position, they had an edge on their team-mates and rivals, with Conway in particular putting in a performance that suggests he is the world’s top sports car driver at this moment in time. But he is yet to boast the Le Mans victory his talent deserves.
Ferrari claims close-fought GTE honours
Ferrari beat Porsche to class honours in the hardest fought category at Le Mans, as GTE once again offered the best racing at the 24 Hours.
Briton James Calado – a lost Formula 1 talent if ever there was one – spearheaded AF Corse’s victory, joined by Italian Alessandro Pier Guidi and Brazilian Daniel Serra. The trio in a 488 GTE saw off a double Porsche assault from Gianmaria Bruni, Richard Lietz and Frédéric Makowiecki in the #91 911 RSR and Michael Christensen, Kévin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor in the #92 car.
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For the record.....
Please get it right:
3rd in GT Pro was Nick Tandy, Earl Bamber & Patrick Pilet.
GT Pro was probably the most cometitive class this year, so due credit.
Celebrate the Brit shared podium - Nick is from Bedfordshire and won LM outright in 2015 with Earl Bamber & Nico Hulenberg.
Slack article accuracy Damien Smith!!!
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Not really a race then?
If there wasn’t much competition for the winners, then it’s a bit of a hollow victory.