Di Resta bags LMP2 pole at LM24 18 | 09 | 2020

    SCOT PAUL DI RESTA stormed to a stunning pole position for tomorrow’s Le Mans 24-Hours race, the penultimate round of the World Endurance Championship, by setting a new LMP2 lap record. The 34-year-old from Bathgate topped the timesheets in the ultra-competitive LMP2 class with an average speed of almost 150mph. (Related: Interview — Paul di Resta ready for Le Mans assault)

    “That was a real blast,” Di Resta said after powering his United Autosports Oreca round the 8.47-mile La Sarthe circuit in 3min 24.528secs, to take pole by three-tenths of a second. “To take the car round the circuit in free air, without the turbulence from other cars, was a sensation.

    “But this is only the first box ticked this weekend. What’s crucial now is we deliver this level of performance throughout the 24-hour race and get the win we’re all striving for.”

    Di Resta, along with team-mates, Portuguese racer Filipe Albuquerque and England’s Phil Hanson in the No22 car, have won the last three rounds of the WEC, and start Le Mans as favourites to win the season’s Blue Riband race.

    In LMP1, Japan’s Kamui Kobayashi took pole position for Toyota, beating the Rebellion of Gustavo Menezes by 0.555s.

    Related: Paul di Resta bags first WEC win

    Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars

    Jim McGill

User Comments

Login or register to post comments.