Bruno Senna said he fully backed Team ORECAs decision to retire his car from the Le Mans 24 Hours after a myriad of issues at La Sarthe prevented the Brazilian from fighting for a top ten finish on his debut in the event.

Senna was teamed with regular Le Mans Series partner Stephane Ortelli and WTCC racer Tiago Monteiro for his 24 Hour debut, but the trio's hopes of fighting for top petrol honours were hit by an uncharacteristic mistake from Ortelli which saw him go off in the barriers and damage the rear of the car.

Having managed to get the car back to the pits for repairs, Ortelliu handed the car over to Senna who climbed back into the top 20 before Monteiro took the wheel.

Despite making up places, the car was then involved in another accident as dawn broke after Ortelli tangled with a GT2 Ferrari and with damage to the rear, team boss Hughes de Chaunac took the decision to retire the car and make its spare parts available for the sister machine.

The #11, in the hands of Olivier Panis, Nicolas Lapierre and Soheil Ayari eventually took the flag in fifth place and second of the petrol cars.

"I think it was the right decision, because at that time Panis had a stronger chance than us," Senna admitted. "It was nice to take part in another kind of competition, which is far different from what I have been doing so far. We were going well but the unfortunately couldn't bring the car home.

"I am learning all the time in this Le Mans series; I think it helps you appreciate different driving skills and techniques and I am looking forward to the remaining races."