Tiago Monteiro forced to DNF at the Le Mans 24 Hours

the Pescarolo LMP1’s assisted steering gave up

By Franck Drui

14 June 2011 - 19:13
Tiago Monteiro forced to DNF at (...)

The big clock at the Le Mans circuit showed 2:20 on Sunday morning when Tiago Monteiro and his OAK Racing teammates driving the LMP1 racer powered by Judd were forced to abandon the race. Tiago and his entire team gave their all, fighting it out in the prestigious endurance race for over 10 hours and 80 laps until the Pescarolo LMP1’s assisted steering gave up the ghost.

Despite the disappointing overall result, the Portuguese driver is satisfied with having taken part in the race, which is considered to be one of the three finest races in the world. The OAK Pescarolo technical crew tried to solve the problem but had to accept that the car No. 15 was irreparable. "The team did an incredible job, they tried everything they could so that we could stay on the track. But, at the end of my run we realized that it was too dangerous to go on," Tiago explained. "Regardless of the result of this race, it was a pleasure and an honor to take part in the 79th edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours with this team. It was a tiring week but the human adventure was very interesting, and it is truly a pleasure to work with OAK Racing."

When he gets back to Portugal, Tiago will have a few hours to rest before getting back to the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). "I have two days to recharge my batteries and rebuild my strength with my family. Next weekend, I will be behind the wheel of the Sun-Red SEAT Leon. The last weeks have been tough but it was worth the effort."

The next FIA WTCC races will take place next June 19 on the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic.

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