2021 Le Mans 24 Hours 15H Report | Podium battle heats up, Ferrari hits issues
Toyota remains on course for its fourth consecutive Le Mans 24 Hours success as both of its cars reached the Hour 15 of the endurance classic with no major issues to report.
Just as it has been since the beginning of the race, the two Toyota GR010’ Hybrids have run reliably and quickly, steadily opening up a margin over a fierce fight for third between Alpine and Glickenhaus.
Indeed, while it is clear Toyota isn’t using the new Hypercar to its full potential to protect the car, aero issues for the chasing #8 car has allowed more breathing space for the #7 machine that has led from the first turn.
Alpine and the #708 Glickenhaus continue to swap positions depending on the pit-stop cycle, setting them up for the fight ot watch out for as the race headed into its final nine hours.
Team WRT’s two cars now each hold a one lap lead over the opposition as the Belgian team continued to march towards not only a victory on its Le Mans 24 Hours debut but do so with a dominant 1-2.
Problems for the United Autosports USA car means Jota is up to second with its Sean Gelael, Tom Blomqvist and Stoffel Vandoorne driven entry, while the Panis Racing Oreca and the Interpol Competition car rounds out the top five for LMP2.
In GTE Pro, the long-time leading AF Corse Ferrari hit problems and slid down the order, though the ‘Prancing Horse’ remains in charge as it leads with the sister car driven by James Calado, Alessandro Pier Guidi and Come Ledoger. Corvette and Porsche remain on the lead lap though.
In GTE Am, the lead remains in the grip of AF Corse Ferrari too, but it is being pushed hard by the TF Sport Aston Martin.
The big casualty from the last three hours was the all-Danish High Class Racing team - driven by ‘Dad/Lad’ duo Jan and Kevin Magnussen, plus Anders Fjordbacj
