First rolling for the 1000Km of Silverstone

The first Le Mans Series free practice has just been held. The session has allowed the LMP1s to resume after their Hungarian collapse. The two arch rivals Audi and Peugeot have started the hostilities. Audi Sport Team Joest’s Audi R15 TDI n°7 has made the best times very closely followed by Team Peugeot Total’s Peugeot 908HDi-FAP n°1. Team Rebellion Racing’s Lola B10/60 Coupé n°12 completes the leading trio.

In LMP2, Strakka Racing’s HPD ARX-01c n°42 confirm their achievement in Hungary and keep the best times ahead the Pescarolo-Judd n°35 of Team OAK Racing.

In LMGT1, there is no surprise with Larbre Competition’s Saleen S7-R n°50. The Porsche 997 GT3 RSR n°75 of Team Prospeed Competition takes once again the lead in the LMGT2 Porsche/Ferrari duel.

In Formula Le Mans n°48 (Team Hope Polevision Racing) achieves the best time in front of N°45 of Team Boutsen Energy Racing.

This first session sets the tone for a lively finale.

ORECA plays to win

In two days the four Le Mans Series categories will be consecrated. Philippe Leloup, Team Manager of the ORECA Matmut Team explains his ambitions for the Autosport 1000km of Silverstone: “Our aim is clearly to win the race and not only the title as we are aware that the season’s last race has an important impact." A challenge within reach for the Team.

Meeting with Philippe Sinault

On the eve of the finale, Philippe Sinault, Signature Plus’ team manager gives us his impressions. The Lola Aston Martin n°8 driven by Pierre Ragues / Franck Mailleux / Vanina Ickx can aim for the title. It is only two small points from the Oreca Matmut team. Everything is possible: "The situation is fantastic since ORECA should have been crowned long ago. We are not equipped to battle fairly. We will rely on reliability to make sure of crossing the finish line. We will take advantage if ORECA doesn’t fulfil their expectations; and we keep in mind that the weather could play an important part during the weekend." Answer on Sunday at 5.55pm.

Nigel Mansell won’t take part the race

This week-end, the Beechdean Mansell team will have to forget Nigel Mansell as a driver. The British champion does not hide his disappointment: "It’s a great shame but I’m not going to be driving this weekend. I will instead be doing the same job as team manager as I did in Hungary. I have heard from the doctor that I can’t be signed off following my crash at Le Mans. I was hoping to just do three laps to qualify for the race and then do the final stint of the race, but I am not even allowed do that.”

Despite his absence on the track, the F1 World champion will be very present in the pit to support his children. The team is very keen to repeat their Hungarian achievement. Nigel considers this possibility with a lot of pride. «The great thing about the Le Mans Series is that you can plug drivers in and out of the cars and Greg and Leo did a magnificent juob last time out to win their class. I was a very proud Dad when they won and we feel, as a team, we got the monkey off our backs.»

The Mansell family will be very eager not to disappoint their public!