JOTA have completed the shakedown of the #12 JOTA Porsche 963 after a huge job to rebuild the car after Callum Ilott’s crash at the Forest Esses in Wednesday evening practice cracked the chassis and forced the team to rebuild it from the bare carbon tub upwards.
The team carried out a short shakedown on the airfield next to the Le Mans circuit, Circuit de la Sarthe, on Friday evening, with Ilott at the wheel. The run went successfully, although recent rain had made it treacherous for Ilott.
“Feels great to be back in the car, although it was a little wet out there and obviously we had to build up to things slowly,” said the 25-year-old.
“Even though shakedown is short, it’s great to get a little mileage in the car and check the systems. It’s just incredible that the car is running and I’m beyond grateful and proud of the team for their heroic work getting us this far.
“Everything feels good, looks good, I think we’re ready to roll. Will will take the reins in warm-up and make sure that it feels good on track and we’ll see from there. A huge thank you to the team for their determination and team spirit, it’s humbling and makes me extremely proud to be part of this family.”
The car will start from eighth on the grid after qualifying for Hyperpole, but couldn’t take part as the car was still being rebuilt. Driving it alongside Ilott will be Will Stevens, who with Ilott won last time out in the FIA World Endurance Championship in the 6 Hours of Spa, and Norman Nato.
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