#50 Corvette C7.R delivers the goods in all conditionsFrench GT experts all set for showpiece raceFor its 24th entry at the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours, Larbre Competition will start from sixth on the grid in the LMGTE Am category
Drivers Pierre Ragues, Yutaka Yamagishi, and Jean-Philippe Belloc confirmed the #50 Corvette C7.R’s strong potential, while ensuring they are perfectly prepared for the French endurance classic. The #50 is also the highest-placed of the two LMGTE Am-entered cars of the US constructor.
Keeping true to Team Manager Jack Leconte’s philosophy, the Larbre threesome focussed on consistency over single-lap pace. The method has already proved to be successful with five class wins for the Vigeant-based outfit at La Sarthe (1993, 1994, 2010, 2011, and 2012).
However, it did not prevent the #50 crew from clocking the sixth fastest time overall following three rain-hit qualifying sessions spread across Wednesday and Thursday (June 15/16). While fickle weather meant conditions were sometimes tricky, Larbre did not put a wheel wrong and also poured efforts on ensuring that race preparations and final details were complete.
For this year’s 60-strong field, track action got under way on Wednesday afternoon with a rain-affected, four-hour practice session. Although conditions were far from optimum around the 13.629km venue, the Val-de-Vienne squad could still collect valuable data as it sampled all 2016-spec Michelin compounds.
This information will be even more important this weekend for Larbre, as the Corvette C7.R is the only LMGTE Am front engine car fitted with Michelin tyres.
Making the most of fairer weather on Wednesday night, Jack Leconte’s trio banked a 3:58.018 flyer, well aware that it could define their grid position given Thursday’s local forecast.
And that’s exactly what happened, as an evening downpour prevented nearly all teams from improving their marks. Instead, Larbre once again turned to fine-tuning the setup of its machine after the race engine and gearbox were installed.
Pierre, Yutaka, and Jean-Philippe also set about using the four hours of track time to find their feet on a wet track, with the crew-mates more than likely to encounter similar conditions come the weekend.
The 84th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours, which also count towards this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship with double points awarded, will get under way on Saturday at 15:00.
Friday (June 17) will see Larbre Competition head to the city centre of Le Mans for the traditional Drivers’ Parade, always a fan favourite at La Sarthe.
Pierre Ragues: “I ended up being the one driving when the rain was falling the hardest: I guess someone had to stick his neck out!
“Joking aside, it’s important to test in these conditions in order to notice the wet patches and give the information to my crew-mates. That’s also part of the Le Mans teamwork.
“It’s my 10th time competing here – albeit my first in a GT car – and I realise that I now have well-oiled habits coming back. It feels great and I’m really happy to celebrate this milestone driving Larbre Competition’s Corvette C7.R.”
Yutaka Yamagishi: “The last time I drove at the 24 Hours of Le Mans stretched to a few years, so I had to get back in the groove around this amazing circuit.
“I did not skip any stages and could rely on the great experience of both my team-mates Pierre and Jean-Philippe to gradually gain confidence. That said, it was not my first time driving the Corvette C7.R in the rain since the FIA WEC season-opening round at Silverstone was already wet.
“Now, I just can’t wait to meet Larbre Competition’s fans during the Drivers’ Parade this afternoon, before the big race gets under way on Saturday!”
Jean-Philippe Belloc: “The track conditions turned out to be quite tricky right from the start in Wednesday practice so we never took any risks. These were the instructions we had. As soon as it started raining, we’d go back to the pits.
“On Thursday, the weather got worse but we actually spent more time on track, as it was crucial to assess the Corvette C7.R in these conditions. And I can say the overall feeling is good. I was on track when it was not totally wet and I thoroughly enjoyed it behind the wheel.
“On a more personal note, I feel perfectly integrated within Larbre Competition and I’m happy to enter the Le Mans 24 Hours for the 10th time in my career.
Jack Leconte, Team Manager: “I am satisfied with our performance in qualifying. Our place on the grid was truly defined on Wednesday night, as the track was still dry, while Thursday served more as a testing day.
“We had to make sure all three drivers spent proper time in wet-weather conditions, see where the puddles are, and get an overall feeling of the track. In the mean time, we put new parts on the car and finalised the setup of our Corvette C7.R.
“The instructions for the race are bound to change based on the weather forecast, which looks quite fickle for this weekend. We’ll look to extend the positive momentum we currently have in the FIA WEC with two podium finishes in as many events. And if we can go one step or two higher, that’d be even better!”
Le Mans 24 Hours calendar of events*
Saturday 18th June: Warm up at 09:00, start of 84th Le Mans 24 Hours at 15:00.Sunday 19th June: Finish of 84th Le Mans 24 Hours, podium celebrations
*All times are local
