A faultless Le Mans 24 Hours debut for the Lamborghini Iron Lynx Hypercar team was a mark of “great success” for the Italian make after finishing in 10th and 13th positions.
The #19 and #63 SC63 LMDh cars completed their first 24-hour race without any reliability issues, with the latter car having even scored their first FIA World Endurance Championship point by finishing in 10th position.
Last year’s DTM runner-up Mirko Bortolotti was joined by Daniil Kvyat and Edoardo Mortara in the #63 which is actively competing in the FIA WEC, as the #19 is being driven by the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship crew: Romain Grosjean, Andrea Caldarelli and Matteo Cairoli.
Emmanuel Esnault, Racing Director, said: “This is a great success.
“Finishing the race without major issues was our first goal, and we did it without a single trip to the garage and scoring our maiden points finish in FIA WEC.
“I’m proud of how our team managed the race and faced any adversity, performing brilliantly.
“Knowing the incredible amount of effort and dedication that went into this project at every level, I look forward to what we’ll be able to achieve in the future starting from next weekend’s IMSA event at Watkins Glen and the upcoming Brazilian round of FIA WEC.”
Kvyat added: “It was a truly amazing race for us. We enjoy this result as it’s a reward for the hard work.
“Still, there’s a lot of work ahead of us, because I want to win one day, and the next steps we have to take will be crucial.
“We managed to get this result with what we had with a new car, it shows how strong we are, and when we will bring what we have to, we can fight for victory.”
At the start of the race, the #19 piloted by Caldarelli, suffered minor bodywork issues which cost time although much of the race was characterised by intermittent – and heavy – rain, in addition to the challenges of endurance and fatigue which are commonplace for a 24-hour race.
The SC63 debuted at the grueling 12 Hours of Sebring, before entering the WEC Qatar 1812 km season-opener, followed by the Imola, Spa-Francorchamps rounds prior to Le Mans, its first 24-hour race after they were not able to enter the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The next race for the team will be the IMSA 6 Hours of the Glen, taking place this week at Watkins Glen on 30 June, with drivers Caldarelli and Cairoli.
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