Larbre appealing against Sao Paulo exclusion

Photo:  FLORENT GOODEN, DPPI media

Following the exclusion of the No.50 LMGTE Am Corvette C6.R of Larbre Competition from the results of the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo, the team has expanded on the ride height infringement which caused the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Technical Delegate to reach his decision.  Jack Leconte, Larbre Team Manager, who was extremely disappointed with the outcome, also explains why he is protesting the decision.  

Taking the start in fourth position on the LMGTE Am grid, Larbre’s Fernando Rees cleanly negotiated the opening corner of the Interlagos circuit in the No.50 car. The Brazilian was then forced to take quick evasive action at turn four as several cars clashed ahead of him, and he judged that a move to the outside of the track would prevent him from making contact and causing a more serious accident.

Though the local driver would emerge from the melée largely unscathed, the Corvette hit a high curb when leaving the circuit that launched it into the air and resulted in a heavy landing, before again having to jump over a raised section when re-joining the track.  Rees subsequently reported significant understeer but continued to run at a competitive pace.

Jack Leconte, Team Manager: “Unfortunately, during post-race scrutineering, the FIA technical delegate found that the height of the #50 car’s front bumper was under [the regulated height] by just 8mm, which was a consequence of the impact it suffered when leaving the track to avoid an accident on lap one. As the part did not have an obvious crack, the delegate decided to maintain his position and exclude the #50 for not being within the regulations. This was despite evidence supplied by the Larbre team and some ACO scrutineers, notably affixing the #70 car’s front bumper to the #50 and thus proving that the ride height was within the regulations.”

Leconte went on to say that “The result of the appeal and the performance of the team during the coming races will unquestionably demonstrate the spirit of the Larbre team, who show their talents on the track.”

Fernando Rees, #50 Corvette C6.R: “I ran the first two stints of the race. At turn four on lap one there were a number of accidents taking place, so I took to the outside of the corner to avoid the chaos. I caught a high curb on the outside, which launched the car and resulted in a big impact. I also made contact with some debris and then hit another curb when re-joining the track. After this we had huge understeer, especially in the fast corners, but I was able to catch the cars ahead and secure the lead. My team-mates drove perfect stints – fast, precise and without any mistakes – which allowed us to take a very special win. I am disappointed to have had it taken away but, given the circumstances, I am sure that we have a chance to recover the result. It is an obvious situation and everyone is aware that things like this happen in endurance racing. It’s part of the game.”

Fiona Miller (quotes from Larbre team press release)

Photo:  AUTODROMO JOSE CARLOS PACE (INTERLAGOS, SAO PAULO, BRAZIL) 6 HOURS OF SAO PAULO, SATURDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2012, RACE.  The No.50 Larbre Competition Corvette C6.R during a pit stop.