7 Porsche 919 takes third Le Mans victory

 

2017 Le Mans will go down in history as "that year when LMP2 car almost won the overall classification". There were serious technical problems for all LMP1 prototypes and it wasn't until 23rd hour until Porsche #2 car, the only remaining Porsche, finally caught up to LMP2 Jackie Chan DC Racing Oreca that was leading the race overall for several hours.

There was lots of drama in GT class as well - particularly in the last few laps, when GT Pro first and second place Corvette and Aston Martin Vantage were running bumper to bumper, until Corvette driver cracked under pressure, made a braking error and a high speed off-track excursion which lead to slow puncture in front tyre.

Despite bringing 3 cars to the LMP1 class, Toyota failed to change the bad fortune they have had in previous years. They were again fastest in qualifying and they are leading WEC championship on points, but I am sure the primary objective for Toyota was Le Mans victory. Last time a Japanese-made car was on top step of Le Mans podium was in 1991, but Toyota have been close to winning on several occasions.

7y ago by FastestLaps
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saxy  7y ago

Toyota has become the laughing stock of Le Mans

 

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FastestLaps  7y ago

They have become Peugeot :D :D :D


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tyler  7y ago @FastestLaps

Atleast Peugeot has won 3 times.


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FastestLaps  7y ago @tyler

Well, yes, Peugeot has won several times and Toyota have never won ever. What I meant was to compare them to Peugeot in recent years.


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FastestLaps  7y ago @tyler

Either way I really hope Toyota don't quit and splash even more cash for next year. And i want to see third factory team at LMP1, in addition to privateer teams as well (with relaxed regulations to make them more competitive)


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saxy  7y ago @FastestLaps

Actually at this rate, it wouldn't matter if privateers were 5 seconds slower than the lead. They'd still win if they didn't break down. But it's a shame that the front cars only drove at 75% most of the race. They were purposely running nearly 10 seconds slower than max pace for the sake of not taking risks. And cruising home, and even still they broke down anyways.


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lafars  7y ago @FastestLaps

@fastestlaps

Toyota literally has the record for the most second place finishes without winning, it's on Wikipedia