24h Le Mans
Battle of the constructors | Emblematic Italian constructor Isotta Fraschini enters the Hypercar arena this year with the promising Tipo 6 LMH-C. Despite a timid Test Day, the team is determined to demonstrate its reliability and close the gap with its rivals, with technical support from Duqueine Team.
Isotta Fraschini is a well-known Italian make of luxury cars, with a rich history. Its LMH-regulation Hypercar, the Tipo 6 LMH-C,, is currently in the development phase. “These cars are brimming with technology that we need to get to grips with. That takes time,” says Jean-Karl Vernay, the 36 year-old driver of the #11 Isotta Fraschini teamed with Carl Bennett and Antonio Serravalle.
The Tipo 6 LMH-C was at the bottom of the Hypercar class, six seconds behind best performer of the day the #6 Porsche 963. “We’ve got a lot more track time at Le Mans compared to the other rounds of the FIA WEC, which will help. Apart from at the 1812 km of Qatar, we haven’t had any engine or gearbox issues. Which is more than our opponents can say,” explains the French driver. At this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, Isotta Fraschini is out to play catch-up. “We’ve only explored about 50% of the car’s potential so far. We need more resources to continue developing it and move up to the middle of the field. I reckon we’ll be in a position to do so by the end of the season.” The 4WD car has shown impressive top speed: 345.6 kph on Test Day – quickest of the day on the Mulsanne Straight. Speed is not Isotta Fraschini’s only asset. The team has the benefit of sturdy LMP2 outfit Duqueine Team’s technical support. “We’re aiming to run a clean, consistent race. Which is quite a challenge,” admits manager Gilles Duqueine.
The driver line-up is a mix of youth and experience. Two are Le Mans rookies: 19-year-old Carl Wattana Bennett and 21-year-old Antonio Serravalle. Bennett learned to race with two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso. “I had the opportunity to discuss Le Mans with him. Endurance is a stage in my career,” says the Thailand-born American resident. The young drivers will be able to lean on Jean-Karl Vernay who won LMGTE Am in 2013. “It’s not easy for them, because they get compared to more experienced drivers. But you learn a lot when things are tough. For all three of us, it’s a unique opportunity to compete at the highest level of endurance,” says Vernay.
Newcomers Isotta Fraschin succeed Glickenhaus and Vanwall as the outsiders of the FIA WEC and will no doubt garner support from the crowd thanks to their underdog status. The Milan-based constructor has every intention of providing great spectator entertainment.
The battle of the constructors is on. Which of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Hypercar first-timers – Alpine, BMW, Lamborghini and Isotta Fraschini – will make the best debut? May the best team win. Race starts at 16:00 ECT on Saturday 15 June. Battle is the theme of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Show from 23:30 on Saturday night on the infield. Trackside spectators will be treated to an immersive light and sound show by French musical duo Synapson, combining fireworks, drones and video.
