Team stalwart to partner Ragues and Yamagishi in #50 Corvette C7.RLarbre Competition officially confirms that Jean-Philippe Belloc will take part in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans aboard the LMGTE Am-entered #50 Corvette C7.R. A very experienced racer and team stalwart, the Frenchman will partner Pierre Ragues and Yutaka Yamagishi in replacement of the injured Paolo Ruberti.
Belloc already had the opportunity to get acclimated with his new crew-mates last weekend after Team Manager Jack Leconte called him up via Christophe Bourret for the official Le Mans Test Day.
Jean-Philippe knows the Vigeant-based outfit extremely well, having raced under their banner at La Sarthe in 2001, 2011, and 2012, securing a trio of top-five finishes including a podium.
An endurance expert, Belloc boasts a prestigious 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps victory on his resume. With Larbre, he also won the 2001 FIA GT Championship and took part in the inaugural World Endurance Championship in 2012.
Since then, Jean-Philippe has starred in the hotly contested Blancpain GT Series and European Le Mans Series, as well as dominating the 2013 VdeV Michelin Endurance Series with five wins out of seven races.
Representing Larbre Competition in the 84th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will mark Belloc’s 10th entry in the twice-around-the-clock classic.
Jean-Philippe Belloc: “I am delighted to have been chosen by Jack Leconte to replace Paolo Ruberti, to whom everybody sends their best wishes, for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“It’s a very nice show of trust and a great privilege to defend the colours of Larbre Competition in the world’s greatest endurance race.
“The LMGTE AM category is quite competitive this year but I think we have a very solid package. The Corvette C7.R has proven its worth and the team has what it takes to challenge for a good result.
“Finally, I’d like to extend my warmest thanks to my friend and long-time team-mate Christophe Bourret, who made it possible for me to be available for this iconic event.”
Jack Leconte, Team Manager: “When the going gets tough, it’s essential to have solid footing and clear points of reference, and Jean-Philippe Belloc is definitely someone Larbre Competition can rely on.
“We have already enjoyed a successful common history, having contested plenty of championships and achieved many strong results together. The close relationship we have kept with Christophe Bourret, who also drove for Larbre in 2011 and 2012, has enabled us to overcome Paolo Ruberti’s forfeit quickly.
“I’d also like to thank Nick Catsburg for his valuable help and excellent work during last weekend’s Le Mans Test Day. With Paolo out of action for a long time, we’re clearly keeping an eye on him for the remainder of the FIA World Endurance Championship season.”
Christophe Bourret: “I’m thrilled to have given Jean-Philippe Bellow, the professional racing driver within our organisation, Sport Event Communication, the opportunity to race at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans for Larbre Competition.
“Together with Jack Leconte, we secured a podium finish at La Sarthe in 2011 before competing in the 2012 FIA WEC campaign, so it’s great to have the whole family reunited this year.”
Le Mans 24 Hours calendar of events:
Sunday 12th June: Scrutineering at Place de la République in Le Mans, Larbre Competition’s Pesage is at 15:00, local time.Monday 13th June: ScrutineeringTuesday 14th June: Official drivers photo, fan autograph sessionWednesday 15th June: Free practice, qualifying practiceThursday 16th June: Qualifying practiceFriday 17th June: Drivers’ ParadeSaturday 18th June: Warm up, start of 84th Le Mans 24 Hours at 15:00, local timeSunday 19th June: Finish of 84th Le Mans 24 Hours, podium celebrations
