OAK Racing clinches ILMC LMP2 title

OAK Racing finished the 2010 season on a high by winning the LMP2 class in the third and final round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, the Zhuhai 1000kms in China. The French team therefore clinched the 2010 ILMC LMP2 class title and also won the Green X Challenge of the new international championship launched this year by the ACO. The result for Jacques Nicolet’s squad brought a perfect end to the year with a win and two titles.

Sébastien Philippe, OAK Racing Team Manager: “I am delighted with this result and especially to win the Green X Challenge. We finished fifth overall in the race, behind the works LMP1 class Peugeots and Audis and realistically we couldn’t have hoped for a better result. All went well today, the Pescarolo-Judd was reliable throughout the 1000 kilometres, barring a small issue with a brake pipe with eight laps to go. Two of our drivers didn’t know the team at all just six weeks ago, but they have integrated well with the squad and have continued to make progress. Frédéric and Patrice both have real ability which bodes well for next year. I’d also like to say a big thank you to every member of the team for their hard work in 2010.”

Jacques Nicolet, driver and owner, OAK Racing: “I was pleasantly surprised by the circuit even though it isn’t ideal for endurance racing due to the numerous amount of slow corners. The result here on this great day in China is a reward for everyone in the team, including those who aren’t here with us this weekend but who deserve this victory as much as anyone. Unfortunately, Patrice, Frédéric and I cannot be present at the prize-giving ceremony, but we will be represented by Sébastien (Philippe) and also the President of Mazda France, Thierry Guillemot, who was kind enough to come and support us in Zhuhai.”

Frédéric Da Rocha, driver, OAK Racing: “I really enjoyed this second race with OAK Racing. With eight laps to go I had a small issue with the brakes and it cost us a couple of laps, but the team did a superb job in the pits which allowed us to rejoin the track and finish behind the works Audis and Peugeots. The car was perfect during my stints and was also very fast and easy to drive. My first two races with OAK Racing have been simply superb.”

Patrice Lafargue, driver, OAK Racing: “Another race with OAK Racing has ended with a lot of happiness! Our objective was to be at the finish and not make any mistakes and we have achieved that. The car was perfect and the race was easier to manage than Petit Le Mans. There was less traffic and the works LMP1 cars weren’t as aggressive as they overtook us. A big thank you to the entire team, 2011 cannot come soon enough!”

Thierry Guillemot, President, Mazda France: “Many congratulations to OAK Racing for this superb season which has seen them finish with a podium in the Drivers’ and Teams’ championships, the constructors’ title and the Green X Challenge in the Le Mans Series, a second place in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the title and the Green X Challenge in the ILMC! Mazda France is very satisfied and proud with these results and we are very grateful to OAK Racing.”