13
May
2018
|
15:44 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Monza delivers Dunlop ELMS 1-2 in LMP2

  • G-Drive Racing & Spirit of Race top LMP2 & GTE podiums

The second race of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) season brought a repeat 1-2 for Dunlop. This time G-Drive Racing were the winners of the 4 Hours of Monza followed by TDS Racing’s #33 fellow Oreca. Spirit of Race dominated the GTE class with the #55 entry.

Four safety car periods had a significant impact on the four-hour race, with teams needing to constantly revise strategies and take opportunities to refuel and change tyres during the slower laps. Ultimate winners G Drive Racing led from lap 39, other than for pit stop off-sets, crossing the line nearly 30 seconds ahead of TDS Racing. The top-two teams’ success was in part due to the ability to pit just four times compared to five or more stops for the rest of the field. The finish order mirrors the championship standings, with G-Drive Racing now leading with a one-point advantage over TDS Racing.

Teams in the LMP2 class opted to use a variety of combinations of tyre options, from all soft, to all medium with some opting to split between the two compounds for front and rear. The teams were again happy with the performance and consistency that the tyres delivered throughout the stints.

Spirit of Race took the LMGTE class win after a dominant race. The all-Dunlop class was less affected by the safety car disruptions given the need for fewer pit-stops. #55 Spirit of Racing led from lap nine of 116. Proton Competition’s #77 car finished second while Riccardo Pera set the fastest GTE lap of the race in the Ebimotors Porsche which finished third. The result has intensified the title battle, with the top five contenders separated by only 11 points. JMW Motorsport (Ferrari F488) retains the lead followed by Proton Competition’s #88 Porsche 911 RSR.

Paul Bryant, International Event Manager, Dunlop Motorsport

"That was a completely different race to the first round but just as exciting. The tyre performance was good and provided the teams with the flexibility they needed to adapt their strategies to the race as events unfolded. It wasn’t an easy race but it was a good result and excellent preparation for those competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours next month. "

The next round of the European Le Mans Series is the 4 Hours of Red Bull Ring which takes place on 22nd July.