Conway: “I had slowed down though”

La Toyota n°7 experienced a difficult end to the session on Wednesday evening at the end of the first qualifications of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While Mike conway had just set the best time in the final sectors, the Briton was unable to avoid Dragonspeed's Oreca 07 when Roberto Gonzalez was trying to get back on the track at the Raccordement chicane.

Collision between the #7 Toyota LMP1 and the DragonSpeed ​​#31 LMP2 at the Ford Chicane!@Toyota_Hybrid @DragonSpeedLLC # LeMans24 pic.twitter.com/Ih2bDg2b2n

- 24 Hours of Le Mans (@ 24hoursoflemans) 12th June 2019

Both drivers escaped unscathed despite the damage to the two prototypes which complicated the teams' program.

“This accident was regrettable because the session had gone very well so far, explained the Briton. However, I slowed down when I saw the yellow flags. I tried to avoid it, but it was difficult to see the car (it was dark, editor's note) and we unfortunately got stuck. I feel sorry for the team who had extra work, but they managed to get the car running again for the last few minutes. »

His teammate Kamui Kobayashi earlier signed the provisional pole in 3'17''161 with only 4 tenths ahead of the first BR1 from SMP Racing.

“It wasn't the best ride I've experienced due to heavy traffic, explained the Japanese. It's a shame because the car was good and I think there is room for improvement. Qualifying means nothing at the 24 hours and we are mainly trying to prepare for the race, especially since the conditions encountered should not be representative of those of the race. »

The No. 8 Toyota also suffered from contact with Fernando Alonso, however less significant than that experienced by the sister car. The second TS050 Hybrid is only in 4th position.