ELMS – Signatech-Alpine can blow after Estoril

The A450b of Nelson Panciatici, Paul-Loup Chatin and Oliver Webb was on course for a second victory at the 4 Hours of Estoril (Portugal) after a first success this season at the Red Bull Ring (Austria). But a series of penalties, including a three-minute stoppage following a too strong start from Oliver Webb, almost put an end to the hopes of the men of Philippe Sinault, the director of Signatech. Fortunately for the Briton, theAlpine was able to salvage a fifth place to clinch the title against Jota Spot for a four-point lead.

“My teammates did two very good stints at the start of the race,” Oliver Webb pointed out. “I was able to get ahead before we received these penalties. If they deprive us of victory, we are still champions. The podium at 24 Hours of Le Mans and this title in ELMS are two very big results for my first season in Endurance. And I hope we will continue like this next year! »

His teammate Nelson Panciatici won the European title for the second year in a row. “I had an opportunity to take the lead at the first corner, but I preferred to hold on,” explained the Frenchman. “I was well on the pace without taking any risks. Despite the penalties, we were able to win the title. I am happy to be the first driver to succeed in retaining the LMP2 crown. The team showed that it was strong and that it did not win by chance. »

Discover the report of the 4 Hours of Estoril in issue 1983 of AUTOhebdo, available from tomorrow evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.