OAK Racing score a victory in ELMS

One of the major competitors of the FIA World Endurance Championship, entered in both LMP1 and LMP2, won a victory last weekend in England in the European Le Mans Series 6 hours of Donington. Matthieu Lahaye set the pole position time on Saturday with the OAK Racing Morgan-Judd, but it was the OAK Morgan-Nissan driven by Olivier Pla, Bertrand Baguette and Dimitri Enjalbert was first to the chequered flag.

The Morgan Judd was relegated to sixth place after a penalty for speeding in the pitlane, Leaving the Morgan-Nissan to lead the race, an advantage they managed to retain it despite a safety car intervention. Olivier Pla led his team to victory with a triple stint, while Dimitri Enjalbert, who was making his debut in the LMP2 class, managed to avoid problems.

Sébastien Philippe, Team Principal: “I am delighted with Matthieu’s performance after following up yesterday’s great pole position with an excellent start today. He managed it perfectly before we encountered some technical issues with the No.24 car. Regarding No.35, we experienced two very difficult days on Friday and Saturday due to technical issues that prevented us from completing much running in free practice. Despite that Olivier managed to qualify the car only three tenths off pole position, which on its own was exceptional but especially so as he didn’t know the circuit. During the race all three drivers did a perfect job. Bertrand was able to maintain a good rhythm at the start and increase his pace at the right moment in order to take the lead. Dimitri’s objective meanwhile was not easy. He had completed virtually no running in the car, has little experience and had to take the wheel while leading. He managed very well mentally. But then the safety car negated all of our advantage. Nevertheless, Olivier delivered the sort of performance that we all know he is capable of to maintain the lead and bring the car home."

The OAK Racing team will visit the UK again on the 26th of August for the fourth round of the World Championship (tickets here).

Dave Davies (quote from team press release)

Photo: SEBRING (FLORIDA, USA), Sebring, 12 Hours of Sebring, Saturday, March 17, 2012, RACE. After the third place in LMP2 in the opening World Championship at Sebring, OAK Racing has won a victory last weekend in the ELMS at Donington.