Le Mans – The beginners shone with Porsche

Si Porsche était un solide prétendant à la victoire aux 24 Hours of Le Mans, the No. 19 defied the predictions by winning with the least experienced crew. Nick Tandy is the only LMP1 winner of the 83rd edition to have made two starts at the Le Mans event. But the Briton had only driven “in” GTE Pro, with a 911 GT3 RSR from Team Felbermayr Proton in 2011 (retirement) and with an official model from Team Manthey in 2014.

“This race is very different compared to those of the GTE Pro”, said the 2011 German Porsche Carrera Cup champion. “The No. 19 was exemplary in all conditions. We remained competitive as temperatures dropped with nightfall. The low tire degradation allowed us to do four stints with the same train. It is the basis of our rhythm which constituted our victory. »

Nico Hulkenberg and Earl Bamber took victory in their first participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in all categories. This performance was last achieved in 1998 by Laurent Aïello who won… in a Porsche 911 GT1 which until now symbolized the last success of the German brand in the general classification.

“We can be proud of the work accomplished, it is a magnificent reward”, added the Force India driver who will compete in the Austrian GP at Red Bull Ring starting next weekend. “The race was very smooth for the No. 19. We were able to be both fast while avoiding problems. The last lap was magical because of the thousands of spectators congratulating us. It's an incredible experience coming from the world of F1."

Earl Bamber was not the least surprising since the New Zealander was only known last year with his Porsche Supercup title. “The last 12 months have been incredible”, admitted the 24-year-old Wanganui native. “It goes beyond my wildest dreams to win with Porsche at Le Mans for my first participation. I only discovered the 919 Hybrid 6 months ago before learning that I would be driving the car in competition. I remain speechless. I now hope to come back here because it is the most beautiful race on earth. »

Videos of the 83rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Discover the analysis of the 83rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans carried out by our special correspondents in the 2016 issue of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.