The #24 OAK Racing Pescarolo-Judd of Matthieu Lahaye and Jacques Nicolet finished in a superb third place in last night’s Hungaroring 1000kms, round 4 of the 2010 Le Mans Series. As well as securing a first overall podium finish to go with another top-three result in the LMP2 class, the team also clinched victory in the Michelin Green X Challenge.
For Guillaume Moreau and Richard Hein, the race was marked by an extended pit stop after only 30 minutes of racing - and while running third in the LMP2 category – to replace the electronic box which controls the power steering. The #35 car rejoined the track 25 minutes later and produced a fine comeback to finish seventh in class.
François Sicard, Team Manager: “I am delighted with this historic result for the #24 car which not only finished on the podium in LMP2 but also third in the overall classification and won the Michelin Green X Challenge! This says a lot about the level of performance of the LMP2s in 2010 and the quality of the display by both Matthieu and Jacques. The race wasn’t easy as the #24 car was pushed off the track on the very first lap, forcing Matthieu to come back to the pits to check that there was no damage to the car. He was able to rejoin, but right at the back of the field, before a memorable fight back through the pack! Jacques and Matthieu drove really well and were both fast and reliable. Guillaume and Richard had less of a chance to shine, but this is a very good overall result for the team and anything is possible in the championship.”
Matthieu Lahaye: “It’s a great feeling to be back on the podium in the Le Mans Series, in fact it is a double podium, overall and in the LMP2 class! All the team has worked really well throughout the entire weekend and we benefitted from the data we acquired during the testing we did at this circuit with Dunlop this spring. Unfortunately, I was hit by the Bruichladdich Zytek under braking for turn 12 on the very first lap and we then had to stay alert throughout the race to manage the traffic. This result gets us back in the hunt for the championship and the fight at the last round at Silverstone will be fierce!”
Jacques Nicolet: “I am delighted to finally climb back onto the podium especially an overall podium made of only private teams and LMP2 cars! The race was difficult for us as we started dead last following the incident on the first lap. I tried to reach the same level as Matthieu and I think I did a good job today. The team also managed the strategy very well. Both factors helped us produce a great performance and also clinch first place in the Michelin Green X Challenge classification.”
Guillaume Moreau: “It looks like Hungary doesn’t bring me much luck! Richard and I were right up there and on our way to the podium but unfortunately the need to replace the power steering electronic box cost us too much time in the pits and all hope of a good result. When we rejoined the race we continued to attack and Richard did some excellent stints. However, I am very happy for Matthieu and Jacques who deserve this result.”
Richard Hein: “A technical problem prevented us from climbing onto the podium with our friends in the #24 car. It’s a shame for us but I am delighted for Jacques and Matthieu who have driven a magnificent race. The objective now is to finish the championship on a positive note at Silverstone.”
The fifth and final round of the 2010 Le Mans Series takes place in the UK at Silverstone on 12 September.