24h of Le Mans – Doug Fehan: “Our second home”

Upon entering the lodge Corvette racing in the paddock 24 Hours of Le Mans, a banner recalls the eight successes achieved in the GT category since 2001 and the era of the C5-R. If the brand abandoned its throne last year to its compatriot Ford, the desire is to win a ninth time, in order to continue the beautiful love story between the Sarthe race and the American team.

“This is our 18th consecutive participation in Le Mans and this demonstrates two things: on the one hand, our commitment and our desire to win this event and the importance of this event on a global level, comments Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing program manager. Second, why do we keep coming back? Our mission when we started was to create a Corvette legacy. We wanted to present Corvette to a wide audience. Le Mans is our second home, and the people here have adopted us »

With two C7.Rs entrusted to the Milner – Gavin – Fässler and Magnussen – Garcia – Taylor, Corvette Racing hopes to continue a 2017 season already marked by three victories out of four events contested in the GTLM category in IMSA in the USA.

“It’s no secret that we give a lot of importance to this race, underlined before this week Doug Fehan. Throughout the season, every minute we spend on the track, every lap we do is aimed at giving Corvette Racing the best chance to shine at Le Mans. There is nothing more pleasant than seeing your drivers on the top step of the podium after 24 hours, and hearing our national anthem. »

Affected by a reshuffle of the Balance of Performance after the Test Day with a reduction in the intake flange of 0,2 mm (now to 29,5 mm), the Corvette C7.R moved into eighth and ninth positions in GTE Pro yesterday in qualifying, 2″7 behind the best time in the category established by theAston Martin Vantage n°95 by Thiim – Sorensen – Stanaway.

“We mainly worked towards the race. » admitted Marcel Fässler. Words confirmed by the explanations of Doug Fehan. “At Le Mans, above all, you need a car that is easy and comfortable in all conditions. This makes it less exhausting and less stressful for the pilots. » The American clan will be back on track this Thursday evening for the last two qualifying sessions.