While overall victory remained out of reach due to the pace and reliability of the six diesel-powered cars in LMP1, Pescarolo Sport was still able to celebrate some modicum of success after coming out on top of the petrol runners in the top class at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Harold Primat, Christophe Tinseau and Benoit Treluyer claimed victory in the unofficial sub-category after a faultless run, taking seventh overall behind the six diesel-powered 'works' cars from Audi and Peugeot. Pescarolo was thus also the highest-placed privateer runner, but had to work for its honour.
Having climbed the field steadily during the first half of the race, the #17 car moved into the top seven during the 14th hour and never relinquished its position at the head of the petrol-class field. The drivers' job was complicated in the small hours of Sunday morning by heavy rainfall, but nothing could distract the team from achieving the result it had targeted prior to the race, eventually finishing five laps clear of nearest challenger Team ORECA.
We're the best 'fuel' car and that is a big achievement, Primat said after racking up his own highest finish at La Sarthe, The target before the race was to finish as the best petrol-powered car and that's exactly what we've done.
"For us, this feels like a victory and, while it's a shame it isn't officially recognised as one, it still feels very good. On a more personal level, I am delighted to have played my part alongside Christophe and Benoit, and I would also like to congratulate the team for providing such a reliable car and for the superb job they did during the race.
