Le Mans 24 Hours 2006
Reflections on Le Mans. Issued June 22nd 2006

Reflections on the Le Mans 24 Hours

After returning from the 74th Le Mans 24 Hours with another LMP2 victory in their hands the members of the RML team have had time to catch up on some well deserved sleep and reflect on a race that saw them not only dominate LMP2 throughout but also cross the line in 8th position overall.

As 2005 LMP2 champions and the favourites to retain the LMP2 category this year there was a lot of pressure on the team to perform well. Drivers Mike Newton, Tommy Erdos and Andy Wallace all rose to the challenge in superb style, driving faultlessly through double and sometimes triple stints to stay ahead of the opposition. A misfire and vibration had caused the mechanics to back the car into the garage on three occasions during the race but the team had opened up such an advantage over their nearest class rivals not to feel significantly threatened.

Ray Mallock, RML’s Chief Executive commented “Our back-to-back Le Mans victories show the depth of the RML team capabilities. The other very pleasing aspect of the victory was to see the team winning the award for technical excellence, a well justified recognition of RML’s teamwork.”

Phil Barker, Team Manager commented “Personally this was the hardest Le Mans I’ve ever had, but I am overwhelmed by the team’s performance. To come back after all our problems last year, which we had successfully overcome, and achieve such a good result on track is fantastic. We led the class for 315 of the 343 laps which is awesome.”

Tommy Erdos set the fastest LMP2 time in qualifying on Thursday to put the MG on the 6th row of the grid for the start. Last year he took the MG across the line at the finish, but was more than happy to hand over that honour to Mike Newton this time around. “There were so many things about this year’s race that I really enjoyed," he said. "Firstly, the fact that we started the race without any problems and we ran competitively throughout the event, always inside the top ten overall and for most of the race inside the top 6 or 7. To see Mike put in some impressive lap times and not put a foot wrong all race, and then for him to drive the car across the finish line, was very special. Sharing the car with Andy Wallace was a real treat for me. I have so much respect for him. He is a true professional and the perfect partner for the Le Mans 24 Hours. I hope we can work together again in the near future.”

“I was also immensely proud of the RML crew who won the award for best technical assistance in the pit lane,” he continued.“ There were some serious factory teams involved in the race this year, so winning that award is no small achievement! The lads so deserved it, not only for this year’s efforts, but also for everything they did in 2005. Two consecutive wins at Le Mans with different chassis/engine/driver combinations is a true testament of the quality of RML. I am proud to be a member of this Le Mans winning Team!"

The MG Lola EX264 will be on display in the main pavilion of the MGCC event at Silverstone this coming weekend. The event takes place from 24th – 26th June.