ALMS – Sebring 12 Hours : Team Oreca Finishes in 1st Place
If not Peugeot Sport Total, it’s got to be Audi, or is it? Well sometimes there is imbalance in any mathematical equation. And in Sebring, finally team Oreca Matmut cross the checkered flag taking their first LMP1 victory at Sebring. Some may argue about whether this and if that, but endurance racing is about being at the right place at the right time with the right strategy. Allan Mcnish described luck – “I, personally, do not believe in luck. I think luck is an excuse for people that have failed in their mission to do something. If you do your preparation correct, if you do the work, if you think about things, if you make the correct judgments on the risks that you take and if you stay out of the pits, then you win the race… and that’s not luck, that’s hard work.”
In 59th edition of the 12 Hours of Sebring. A flawless race for Team Oreca Matmut. No traffic problems, no pitlane problems and sound decision by engineers.
Team Oreca Matmut qualified fifth on the grid, at the start of the race heading to first turn it maintained the position
The two factory Peugeot 908s lead the race for most part of 12 hours, however as situation turns confusing with more safety car periods Team Oreca Matmut managed to find themselves in first place briefly at halfway point. The lead swaps several time after that, after the last splash and dash the gamble pays off and it was a perfect strategy for Team Oreca Matmut.
Highcroft Racing amazing second place was also a big surprise. The car is young but already recording success. When asked, all the drivers was ecstatic to be on the podium with big guns. With LeMans 24 hours in mind development, the petrol powered machine did well to take the chance when the big guns run into all sorts of problem.
Audi R15 TDIs came home fourth and fifth overall
For Audi and Peugeot Sport Total, luck is not on their side, but they will retire the race knowing that if all is well, they will be there to challenge for victory.
Rebellion Racing Toyota first appearance at Sebring 2011
Level 5 Motorsports Honda Lola B11/80 Coupe
Flying Lizard Motorsports’ two Porsches finished sixth and seventh. BMW took home wins in the GT class race.
In this narrative, there is one lesson to learn, never discount what the weak can do to the mighty when they are prepared, we have seen Egypt dictatorial regime falls and history was made before our eyes. Well today is that day where Audi and Peugeot’s regime give way to Oreca Matmut.
Editorial : Mu’az Zakaria
Photo : James Boone / Highcroft Racing
Super shots James! the first shot is sick!