24h Le Mans
United Autosport's #32 Ligier JS P217 managed a stunning victory down to the wire at the 4 Hours of Silverstone, first round of the 2017 European Le Mans Series, while its little sister, the Ligier JS P3, won the LM P3 class.
Around 10 minutes from the finish, G-Drive Racing's #22 Oreca 07 developed by DragonSpeed was still leading the race thanks to a great performance by Léo Roussel, Ryo Hirakawa and Memo Rojas, even though it wasn't enough. With Felipe Albuquerque unleashed, United Autosports' #32 Ligier JS P217 proved too much to fend off and overtook the Oreca 07 in the final lap for the win, as teammates Hugo de Sadeleer and William Owen watched. It was a breathtaking finish.
Felipe Albuquerque: "It's like a dream. This was United Autosports' first race in LM P2 and we won it. We didn't expect to win, I have to admit. The car was just wonderful during both my stints. I tried to save my tires and saw that I was gaining on the Oreca in the lead. Then I had to overtake Ryo (Hirakawa driving the #22 Oreca, Ed.), it's just amazing!"
Without a doubt, the American team - defending champion in the 2016 ELMS in the LM P3 class - will be one to watch throughout the season and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 17th and 18th).
The final drama was fitting given this extraordinary race full of battles with the other competitors not paving the way for the winners by any means. High Class Racing's #49 Dallara P217 driven by Dennis Andersen and Anders Fjordbach claimed the third step on the podium. The car carried a heavy presence on the front lines even holding the lead after 40 minutes. It was an excellent showing for this team debuting in the ELMS. This opening round could not have gone better: the three constructors (Ligier, Oreca and Dallara) reached the podium.
In the LM P3 class, the fight raged as well with victory going to a Ligier JS P3 entered by…United Autosports, giving the team a one-two on British soil. The #2 car won thanks to the shared efforts of John Falb and Sean Rayhall.
The LM GTE class was won by TF Sport's #90 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (started from pole position) thanks to Salih Yoluk, Euan Hankey and official Aston Martin Racing driver Nicki Thiim. Remember, this team will be competing in its first 24 Hours of Le Mans in June…
The next round of the European Le Mans Series will take place at the Monza circuit in Italy on May 14th.
Photo (Copyright - VSA): United Autosports' winning Oreca at the 4 Hours of Silverstone, opening round of the 2017 ELMS.
