After just over 19 hours of racing, IDEC SPORT has moved up in the LMP2 category. Patrice Lafargue’s team is currently third in the LMP2s and seventh overall with just four hours of racing to go before the finish.
Fred Ducastel, in charge of performance for IDEC SPORT told us previously, “They have to keep pushing until the end, as they can still make it to the podium.” That is exactly what they did. The Oreca IDEC SPORT driven by Paul Lafargue, Paul-Loup Chatin and Memo Rojas made it to the top three in LMP2. While #48 closed the gap on the leading cars, it was a problem with the transmission on Panis Barthez Compétition’s 23 (then in second place in LMP2) that enabled IDEC SPORT to move up onto the provisional podium.
After twenty hours of racing, the Oreca #48 has covered more than 300 laps. While the aim is to preserve the car, the IDEC SPORT trio is capable of moving up a place again. They need to look after the mechanics which are becoming tired. Le Mans has shown the importance of that throughout its history and it is impossible to celebrate before the finishing line is crossed. The whole IDEC SPORT is on tenterhooks.
Patrice Lafargue often presents his team as a family where enjoyment is key. This 86th race has certainly given the team plenty of excitement and pleasure. Paul-Loup Chatin is currently at the wheel with 240 long minutes before it all comes to an end.
