New Zealand is of course known the world over for its rugby and the "All Blacks", but motor racing also enjoys an enviable position in the country’s sporting history. We could say that it all began, at an international level at least, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 when New Zealand duo Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren gave Ford the first of its four consecutive Le Mans victories.
In 2015, there will be four drivers from New Zealand at the start of the 24 Hours: alongside Brendon Hartley, we’ll be able to see Earl Bamber in the third Porsche 919 Hybrid (LM P1), Mitch Evans in the Gibson for Jota Sport (LM P2), and Richie Stanaway for Aston Martin. Evans and Stanaway won their respective classes at the WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on 2nd May, traditionally seen as the ‘dress rehearsal’ for Le Mans.

Brendon Hartley: "The first battle between New Zealand and Australia took place earlier this year with cricket. The two countries will once again be competing against each other in the Rugby World Cup but it is great to team up with an Australian like Mark Webber at Le Mans and in endurance racing. Rugby is a huge sport in our country but to be honest, New Zealand also has a rich history in motor racing. Many people like fast motorsport there. Four New Zealanders will be at Le Mans this year; there seems to be a great interest for endurance racing. Over the past three years, I was the only Kiwi racing at Le Mans so it is amazing to have so many drivers from our country competing at this level."

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO      Translated from French by Clair Pickworth

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015, TEST DAY. Brendon Hartley's fastest time at the Test Day was even quicker than the 2014 pole.