24h Le Mans
The exceptional field in this 86th edition and the unpredictable nature of the 24 Hours of Le Mans make it impossible to forecast who will claim the top step on the podium. In each class, history may underscore a victory on Sunday 17 June at 15:00. Here are a few of them, among many.
LMP1: Toyota's first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
Will Toyota finally clinch its first win on Sunday at 15:00? The top step on the podium would reward the work the marque's drivers have done since 2012 as it would also be their first: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López in the #7, and Fernando Alonso, Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima in the #8. Fernando Alonso would become the first Formula 1 world champion to ever win the 24 Hours for his first participation.
LMP2: G-Drive Racing, a first Russian win?
The first Russian team to cause the Russian national anthem to be played at the Le Mans circuit was SMP Racing for its win in the LMGTE Am class. A victory for G-Drive Racing would be the first for a Russian team in LMP2. After two podium finishes in 2015 and 2016 then pole position in 2017 (as well as back-to-back titles in the European Le Mans Series in 2016 and 2017), more than ever the outfit fielding the #26 is a serious contender for the top step on the LMP2 podium.
LMGTE Pro: what's the prediction?
With 17 cars fielded by six constructors, it's difficult to imagine with any certainty who will win this class. Each competitor is highly motivated to win: Porsche, in celebration of its 70th anniversary; Corvette, to atone for the victory that slipped through its fingers in the final minutes last year; Ferrari, to win for the first time since 2014; Ford, to reach the top step on the podium after a particularly challenging 2017 edition. Where will figure the new Aston Martin Vantage GTEs or the BMW M8 GTE making its return to the class this year?
LMGTE Am: Patrick Dempsey, owner and winner?
In 2015, driver/actor Patrick Dempsey reached the second step on the LMGTE Am podium. Though he has limited his role as a driver, he's still involved with the team, continuing to associate his name with Porsche experts Proton Competition. For this 86th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Dempsey-Proton Racing has demonstrated impressive performance level. Perhaps Porsche will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a one-two in the two LMGTE classes like in 2013?
PHOTO (Copyright - Stéphane Batariere/ACO): Toyota claimed the front row on the starting grid after qualifying at the 86th 24 Hours of Le Mans, with in order, the #8 TS050 Hybrid (pictured here) and the #7.
