24h Le Mans
The 2017 European Le Mans Series comprised six rounds, including two new venues: Monza (Italy), and Portimão (Portugal) for the closing round. With an average of 35 cars on the grid for each race, the series can definitely be deemed a success. Out on track, battles raged.
In the end, G-Drive Racing came out on top, with the #22 Oreca 07 - Gibson [photo]. Although Memo Rojas, Léo Roussel and Ryo Hirakawa only won the Monza round, the crew dove consistently well throughout the season. In second place were Silverstone and Red Bull Ring winners Hugo de Sadeleer, Will Owen and Felipe Albuquerque with the #32 Ligier JS P217 for United Autosports. Graff Racing’s Richard Bradley, James Allen and Gustavo Yacaman completed the podium, having won Spa and Portimão. In fact, each chassis manufacturer won at least one race, SMP Racing having taken Le Castellet with the #27 Dallara P217.
LMP3 champions John Falb and Sean Rayhall were victorious at Silverstone and Le Castellet with the United Autosports #2 Ligier JS P3. They dominated the season and logically took the crown over the #18 Ligier JS P3 by Yvan Miller Racing and their #3 sister car.
Le Mans LMGTE Am victor JMW Motorsport had continued success with the #66 Ferrari 488 GTE, wrenching the trophy from the TF Sport #90 Aston Martin Vantage for a mere two points. Proton Compétition won the season-closer in Portugal, and took third in the championship.
Four European Le Mans Series teams earn invitations to the next 24 Hours of Le Mans: G-Drive Racing, United Autosports, JMW Autosport and TF Sport.
The next season will also comprise six rounds, hosted by the same circuits. The only difference is a switch between Le Castellet (France) and Silverstone (UK). The British round will take place in August at the same time as the World Endurance Championship with Le Castellet in April. More teams are expected to join the fray, especially in the LMP2 category.
Video: YouTube - ELMS
