Cadillac secured the front row for the start of the 93rd edition of Le Mans, taking the first two positions on the grid, followed by the #5 Porsche in third.
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| Photo by: Nikolaz Godet |
Qualifying took place at the French circuit of La Sarthe, though this year it featured a slightly modified format. Already on Wednesday, the Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3 classes competed to advance to the second part of qualifying, which was held on Thursday. This session was also split into two segments. Only the eight fastest cars from each category advanced to the final part of qualifying—except for the Hypercar class, where the ten fastest moved on.
Somewhat unexpectedly, only one factory Ferrari, car #50, made it to the final qualifying session. In the end, however, it was Cadillac that built on the promising pace shown in practice, and on Saturday, they will start from the front two positions: car #12 on pole, and car #38 just 0.167 seconds behind its sister car, starting in second place.
“I can’t tell you how much I wanted this,” Lynn told his team over the in-car radio on his slowing-down lap, holding back tears. “I’ve thought about it for a long time. One tenth last year hurt a lot. You guys gave me all the tools today. We have bigger things to do this weekend, but project pole position has come through!”
After climbing out of the cockpit, he added: “Every time you have the opportunity to drive this kind of car around Le Mans with low fuel and new tyres, it’s an honour – and I’m truly honoured to be able to put in a performance like that in front everyone and deliver for Cadillac in the way they deserve. This is a magical circuit and this is a special feeling. I can’t describe it. We will enjoy this tonight, have a good sleep and re-set.”
As for the LMP2 category, it was the TDS Racing team with car #29 that dominated and will start from pole position. Behind them is the #43 car of the Inter Europol Competition team, with the #199 AO BY TF car starting in third place.
In the LMGT3 category, it's the Heart of Racing team with car #27 that will be on pole position, followed by the #21 Vista AF Corse car, and in third place, WRT #46.
