Nyck de Vries made contact with the #87 Akkodis ASP Lexus RC F LMGT3 of Kelvin van der Linde during this morning’s warm-up session ahead of the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Toyota GAZOO Racing driver was adjusting the settings on his steering wheel when he did not notice the sudden braking of van der Linde at the exit of the Porsche Curves.
A Toyota spokesperson has confirmed the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid only sustained bodywork damage and nothing mechanical or suspension-related.
In addition to the low-speed nature of the contact in increasingly wet conditions, the #7 is expected to be ready in time for the race start in under four hours.
Nevertheless, with van der Linde making his Le Mans debut, although having competed in numerous endurance events such as the Nurburgring 24 Hours, – in addition to Lexus’ first time at La Sarthe – the contact cost de Vries any further track time during the 15-minute warm-up.
Last year, the Dutchman notably started the race after being brought in late with the warm-up as his only form of track time prior to lights out.
After Kobayashi’s critical mistake during qualifying practice which caused a red flag, the #7 crew will start at the back of the 23 Hypercar field with the return of Jose Maria Lopez after Mike Conway was injured during a cycling accident.
The #87 Lexus, however, will start from the pitlane and not in 21st place in the LMGT3 class after incurring rear-end damage – including to the rear floor, splitter and bumper.
After not being able to make it in time for the 1.30pm curfew which closed the pit lane, they were not able to make it for the traditional pre-race activities on the grid.
In reference to Article 11.2.1 of the event regulations, the #87 will also have to serve a 2-minute stop-and-go penalty at the next pit stop.
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