Le Mans – Larbre chooses Jean-Philippe Belloc

Since the announcement of Paolo Ruberti's package, injured in an accident at Hockenheim, Larbre Compétition was looking for the name of the Italian driver's replacement for the big meeting of the 24 Hours of Le Mans next week in Sarthe.

On the occasion of the Test Day, played last Sunday, Jack Leconte's team tested the Dutchman Nick Catsburg and the Frenchman Jean-Philippe Belloc. If the first city set the best time in the GTE Am category, in which the Corvette C7.R of the team based in Val de Vienne is lined up, it is ultimately Belloc who will join Pierre Ragues and Yutaka Yamagishi.

The Southerner will return to a team that he has already frequented in the past, notably on the Le Mans double clock tour in 2001, 2011, and 2012, including a podium in the GTE Am category in 2011 (2nd, behind the other Corvette of the tree).

“It is a great proof of confidence and a great honor for me to once again defend the colors of Larbre Compétition in the biggest race inEndurance in the world, explains the former FIA GT champion in 2001 (also with Larbre). The LMGTE Am category is very tough this season but I think we have a very solid package: the Corvette C7.R has proven its worth and the team has all the qualities to aim for a good result. »

If Nicky Catsburg was not selected by Jack Leconte, the boss has already clarified that the Lada WTCC driver could be an option in the near future. “I would like to thank Nicky for his help and his excellent work during the official Le Mans Test Day. Given the length of Paolo's unavailability, we are clearly keeping an eye on him for the rest of the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship season. »