The Rebellion Racing ORECA LMP2 that finished third overall in the 24 Hours of Le Mans has had its podium stripped following a post-race scrutineering decision.
Nelson Piquet Jr, Mathias Beche and David Heinemeier Hansson rose to the top three after most of the LMP1 field encountered problems, eventually finishing three laps down.
However, an opening in the bodywork on the right-hand side of the engine cover was found to be in breach of Article 3 of the technical regulations, which state "No bodywork variation is permitted" bar front flaps and gurneys.
The opening gave Rebellion's mechanics easy access to the starter motor during pit stops, after the #13 car experienced problems getting underway in the pit lane.
Rather than removing the entire engine cover, an instrument was used to tap the starter motor into life at each service.
However, teams are forbidden from modifdying homologated parts of the car and using them during tne 24-hours.
Consequently, Rebellion lost what would have been its maiden podium finish at Le Mans, with the #37 Jackie Chan DC Racing ORECA driven by Tristan Gommendy, David Cheng and Alex Brundle inheriting third.
That meant both Jackie Chan cars – run by British outfit Jota Sport – placed in the overall top three following a solid run to second overall from the car shared by Thomas Laurent, Oliver Jarvis and Ho-Pin Tung.
Assuming the final podium spot in the LMP2 category – and fourth outright – is the #35 Signatech Alpine, whilst Untied Autosports' Ligier moves up to fifth.
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