VDS Panis Racing recorded their first victory in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) this season at Imola. In chaotic race marred by numerous crashes and inclement weather, Oliver Gray, Charles Milesi and Estaban Masson took the win in their #48 Oreca 07 by just under 9 seconds.
A multi-car shunt at Tamburello in the opening hour that resulted in the retirement of four cars on the spot led to the race being red-flagged. Upon its resumption, showers made for extremely tricky conditions around Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. With tyre choice crucial, the #48 crew opted to stay on slick rubber and navigated the slippery surface safely. This gave them the advantage as the race neared its conclusion.
Second overall was the #43 Inter Europol Competition, with the #25 Algarve Pro Racing machine rounding out the podium. Championship-leaders IDEC Sport suffered a setback after Daniel Juncadella’s late sortie into the gravel trap. The #18 Oreca the Spaniard shares with Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert could only finish 11th, out of the pounts.
Victory in the LMP2 Pro/Am class went to the #99 AO by TF squad of PJ Hyett, Louis Delétraz and Dane Cameron, fresh off the back of their class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the closest battle for class honours in the race, the #77 Proton and the #20 Algarve Pro finished just 5 and 8 seconds behind the #99. They took second and third place, respectively.
In LMP3, the #17 CLX Motorsport crew made it three out of three after a commanding win by Paul Lanchère, Adrien Closmenil and Theodor Jensen.
Corvette Claims First LMGT3 Win
The TF Sport Corvette #82 edged out a gaggle of Ferraris in LMGT3 to secure their first victory this season. The #74 Kessel Racing car finished second, with the #55 Spirit of Race machine taking third place. Among the victims of the first-hour accident were the #86 Ferrari, the #63 Mercedes and the #57 Ferrari.
The next round of the ELMS season takes place at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in late August. The full list of race results from Imola can be found here.
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