24h Le Mans
Graff-SO24 drivers Vincent Capillaire, Jonathan Hirschi and Tristan Gommendy celebrated their second place in LMP2 this week in a special post-race ceremony (following a disqualification and appeal procedure). The result has further boosted their expectations for 2019.
Not many teams can say they have mounted the 24 Hours of Le Mans podium twice in one years, but Graff-SO24 can stake that claim. On 17 June, the team celebrated third place in a hard-fought race. And on Tuesday 27 November, they moved up a step! The atmosphere was not quite the same without the warm congratulations of the fans below, but the reward was just as well-deserved. “The crowds weren’t there and nor was the sun, but standing on the podium of the 24 Hours of Le Mans stills fills you with a sense of achievement. It’s just as special. This circuit isn’t just asphalt, kerbs and grandstands, it’s a legend. Drivers feel part of history”, said Vincent Capillaire.
Having qualified in 17th place overall and 7th in LMP2, the race itself was no stroll in the park for the crew of the #39 Oreca 07-Gibson. Their second place is all the more honourable. Jonathan Hirschi agrees: “Its near-on impossible to run a perfect race. All teams, all drivers will always say they could have done something better. We didn’t push the car to its limits. But we got hit with two penalties and I had a brush with another car. Without those incidents, we would have done at least a lap better. And it has to be said that the LMP2 field was particularly strong this year, so second place is all the more of an achievement.”
As runner-up this year, Graff-SO24 already has high hopes for the next 24 Hours of Le Mans on 15–16 June 2019, the grand finale of the FIA WEC 2018-19 Super Season. “We’ll do what it takes to bid for the win in 2019”, announces Tristan Gommendy, and quips: “Le Mans is still Le Mans. It’s a very testing race. We’re an experienced crew, with 20 Le Mans starts between us. It’s the third time I’ve come second, and it’s getting a bit annoying now.”
