Dunlop teams achieved podium finishes in the LMP2 and GTE Pro classes in the second rounds of the Le Mans Series (LMS) and Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) at the Spa 1000km On Saturday 7th.

After an action-packed race at the end of an eventful weekend, the #45 Boutsen Energy Racing Oreca 03 – Nissan took second place in LMP2 whilst in the same category, the #26 Signatech Nissan Oreca 03 – Nissan was the first ILMC-entered car.

In the GTE Pro category, the #56 BMW Motorsport BMW M3 took third position in the overall category standings, finishing second of the ILMC-entered cars.

“In terms of preparations for Le Mans we have done some very good groundwork today,” said Jean-Felix Bazelin, Dunlop Motorsport’s General Manager.

“Our results may not have been as strong as they could have been, but many of our teams were involved in incidents. In the GT Pro class we saw a very strong showing from the JMW Ferrari, with a fantastic battle to be leading the class in the earlier stages of the race until it sustained damage.

“In that class, both BMWs ran strongly and I think they gave a very good account of themselves, showing very good team work and strategy to finish well in terms of the overall race results and in the ILMC standings.

“In the LMP2 class we faced strong opposition, and this category has been particularly competitive between the teams so far this season. Boutsen Energy Racing did very well to take second whilst the Signatech Nissan squad once more demonstrated that they are a formidable force in the ILMC.

“There were many incidents over the weekend illustrating the extreme challenge of this circuit. We wish all our teams well in their preparations for the Le Mans 24 hours, and in particular Oak Racing and their driver Matthew Lahaye a speedy recovery from a very difficult weekend.”

Dunlop supplied Teams:

LMP1

LMP2

GTE PRO

GTE AM

Team quotes:

Andy Priaulx, driver – #56 BMW Motorsport BMW M3:
“It was a good, solid day for us. Our Dunlop tyres held up strongly across the stints and delivered exactly the performance we wanted from them. We had a good test at Le Mans and there’s a tyre we tested that I’m rather keen on, so we’ve got reasons to be fairly optimistic for the next race.”

Dominik Kraihamer, driver – #45 Boutsen Energy Racing Oreca 03 Nissan:
“Even at the end of a two stint run I was very happy with the grip from the Dunlop tyres. I completed over two hours on one set and the performance was always impressive. If it weren’t for a fuel pump we were on for the class win today.”

Philippe Sinault, team manager – #26 Signatech Nissan Oreca 03 Nissan:
“We are happy with the performance of Dunlop’s tyres at this difficult track, even if our race was made difficult after contact with another car meant we had quite a lot of time in the pits making repairs. In the LMP2 class our cars have almost the same amount of downforce as a LMP1 car, but the tyres are of a smaller size. For Dunlop to provide such strong and consistent tyres in these circumstances is impressive.”

The next round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Series takes place at Le Mans on June 11-12. The next round of the Le Mans Series takes place at Imola, Italy on July 2-3.

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