On Wednesday, the 90th annual 24 Hours of Le Mans kicked off with the first practice and qualifying sessions. All four sessions proved more than eventful with a variety of big crashes curtailing all but one of them. Although extensive repairs were required, it does look like all 56 entries will make it to the grid tomorrow afternoon. Starting from pole will be the #2 Audi after a quick lap from Loic Duval set early in the opening qualifying session. In LMP2, the Olivier Pla in one of the Oak Morgans topped the times while both GTE classes were dominated by the Aston Martins. Our photographers were trackside from the first minute and as a teaser for our complete report we have compiled a 190-shot gallery with all the highlights from practice, qualifying and also the first session of the Le Mans Legend race. The action-packed gallery will be completed after the weekend with many more images from the race.
Meanwhile in the Le Mans paddock, two manufacturers released brand new race cars. Nissan showcased the ZEOD RC, which is short for Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car. There is no hiding the experimental machine was designed by Ben Bowlby of DeltaWing fame. And like that unusual machine, the electric ZEOD RC will race at Le Mans in the 'Garage 56' class for innovative cars.
Altogether more conventional but nonetheless very exciting is the SRT Viper GT3-R. As the name suggests, it will be available to customers wanting to run a GT3 specification Viper in one of the many championships around the world for which these cars are eligible. Based on the Viper GTS-R that makes its Le Mans debut this weekend, it is powered by the familiar V10 engine, mated to a paddle operated 6-speed gearbox. The Viper GT3-R is available for an estimated $459,000.
Enjoy the links:
Welcome to Le Mans - Ultimatecarpage.com - Images, Specifications and Information
2014 Nissan ZEOD RC - Images, Specifications and Information
2014 SRT Viper GT3-R - Images, Specifications and Information