Bruno Senna says that Rebellion Racing can be proud of its history victory in last weekend's 4 Hours of Shanghai.
Senna, alongside Norman Nato and Gustavo Menezes, took the first on-track victory for a privateer outfit in WEC history when it defeated the pair of Toyota TS050 Hybrids. The #1 Rebellion R13-Gibson started the race on pole and fought back from a slow start for Nato to take the win.
"Happy day, the team nailed it today," Senna said. Perfect pit stops, great strategy, the car was strong and reliable. We kept pushing all along the race to overcome the difficulties with the tires in the beginning of the race.
Norman and Gustavo did a very good job. Today was our day and we are very happy to bring this one home. It is a real historic moment and we can be proud of it."
The victory also marks a personal milestone for Senna, who became the first driver ever in the FIA World Endurance Championship to win races in all four classes. The Brazilian, nephew of triple Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna, won races in GTE Am (Fuji 2013) and GTE Pro (Silverstone and COTA 2013) with Aston Martin, as well as two LMP2 victories with RGR Sport by Morand in 2016 and four with Vaillante Rebellion in 2017.
The overall win on Sunday now also adds an LMP1 win to that tally, earning him the distinction of winning in all classes.
"I am super excited to say that we finally won the overall race in the World Endurance Championship," added Gustavo Menezes, who tackled the second stint before handing over to Senna. "I am extremely grateful for all the team, they did an amazing job. It was an incredible weekend from the beginning to the end, having P1 in free practice 1, P1 in qualifying session and eventually winning the race.
Norman got some problems with the tires but he drove very well throughout the weekend and he gave me the car P5. We drove it to the front and I was able to build the margin for Bruno so that he could bring the car home. I am really happy today achieve it with all the team. I hope that we could keep the momentum to the future."
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