Following an accident in qualifying yesterday (Wednesday) for the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans, which occurred at 23h04 last night, the No.99 Aston Martin Vantage V8 of Fernando Rees, Alex MacDowall and Darryl O'Young has been withdrawn from the race.
The Craft Bamboo Racing supported car, which is competing in the LMGTE Pro category, sustained heavy damage after crashing at the Porsche Curves during the first of three qualifying sessions for the third round of the World Endurance Championship.
Brazilian driver Fernando Rees was taken to the medical centre following the incident, and was discharged with bruising to his ankle.
“The impact with the barrier was at high speed, so the most important thing is that Fernando is okay,” commented Richard Coleman CEO of Craft-Bamboo Racing. “It is disappointing to have to withdraw from the race but the car cannot be fixed from here. The mechanics worked relentlessly on the car throughout the night but it was impossible to restore it to the safety standards required for racing.
“We must now go forward and focus on the second half of the World Endurance Championship. We will not let this disrupt the incredibly positive start to the season and will continue to progress as a team going forward, with our sights set firmly on success.”
Fiona Miller
Quotes from Aston Martin Racing/Craft Bamboo Racing
