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LMP2 Champions take pole position and race victory in China
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Result marks another milestone for GT Academy
The Signatech Nissan team stormed to LMP2 victory, and eighth place overall, in today’s season-closing ‘6 Hours of Zhuhai’. The team took the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup LMP2 title last time out at Petit Le Mans but went to China with a clear goal: to win!
The weekend got off to a flying start when Franck Mailleux took pole position, giving the team the top spot on the LMP2 grid for the start of the race. The early stages of the race ran smoothly, aside from a slightly longer than usual pit stop in the middle of Mailleux’s double stint. A plastic bag had been sucked into the sidepod and this was causing water temperatures to rise. With the bag removed Franck continued on his way, still in the lead.
GT Academy winner Lucas Ordonez was up next and he continued the work of Mailleux and Vernay, putting in fast, consistent lap times throughout his double stint. Vernay took the wheel again to bring the car to the chequered flag and take the race victory.
“This is a fantastic result for us,” commented Lucas. “Even though we had already won the championship it was important for us to come here and go for the win. We have had our share of problems during the season but we have never lost our focus and never stopped pushing. Five podiums, a victory and a championship are a great reward for our efforts. From a personal point of view I want to say thank you to Nissan for coming up with GT Academy and having faith in me and to Signatech Nissan for continuing my education as a racing driver.”
A word from the team boss
“I am very happy for my team,” said Signatech Nissan boss, Philippe Sinault. “We were fast all weekend and the drivers all did a great job. Lucas did an excellent double stint and again showed he can be consistently fast. It is good to finish the season like this. It has been an amazing year so to finish it by leading the race from start to finish is great. It’s good for Nissan and it is also good for GT Academy as it shows it works!”
