OAK Racing seals Asian Le Mans Series LMP2 title
Despite OAK Racing's excellent 2009 campaign, which had
included four podiums from five Le Mans Series rounds and the blue riband
Le Mans 24 Hours, the team had yet to conquer the top step of the podium.
But that all changed at Okayama last weekend after securing both LMP2
victories at the inaugural Asian Le Mans Series in Japan.
OAK Racing entered their #24 Pescarolo-Mazda, the same car that finished
third at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last June. Richard Hein and Jacques
Nicolet, the prototype's regular gentlemen driver pairing, were joined
at the wheel for the weekend by Matthieu Lahaye who has campaigned the
squad's sister #35 entry throughout the season. Indeed, it was the first
time that the trio, part of the OAK fold since 2008, would drive
together.
Split into two, three-hour races, the new Asian Le Mans Series took place
over two days (October 31 and November 1) at the Okayama circuit. 23 cars
took the start each looking to secure a guaranteed and highly coveted
place on next year's Le Mans grid, while OAK were also keen to impress
on engine-supplier Mazda's home soil.
Despite ending the weekend with both class wins to their name, the nature
of each victory couldn't have been more different. The opening encounter
saw several incidents which forced the drivers and team to raise their
game in order to maintain a comfortable gap over LMP2 rivals IRS. A loss
of fuel pressure forced Lahaye, who'd started seventh overall and on
class pole position, to pit early, having spent the entire previous lap
coasting in an effort to avoid further damage. Hein then took over and
was able to maintain a fast, fluid rhythm despite the tight nature of the
circuit and inevitable traffic build-up, while also looking after his
tyres. Nicolet was then installed for the final hour and looked set for
victory until pitting with just seven minutes remaining to replace a
louvre damaged by tyre debris. The rules state that cars must finish the
race with all original bodywork intact so the team produced a flawless
performance to replace the front nose in record time. Nicolet rejoined
with time to spare and duly took the chequered flag first in class and
seventh overall.
"Races are never won until you cross the finish line," said Team
Manager Francois Sicard, at the end of race 1. "We were perhaps a bit
complacent about the size of the grid and that the race wouldn't be that
difficult thanks to the strength of our chassis, tyre and engine
combination which has been competitive all season. But it wasn't a walk
in the park, neither for the team or drivers despite their very good
stints. It was 'hot', to borrow an expression often used by Matthieu!"
Race 2 would play out in a more relaxed fashion the following day. Lahaye
remained in contact with the LMP1 runners during much of his opening
stint while building a comfortable gap back to the IRS Courage and
managing the GT traffic well, before handing over to Nicolet. With a two
lap lead at his disposal, Jacques continued the excellent work, lapping
less than a second shy of his pro co-driver thanks to pace and
consistency. Hein completed the trio's impeccable day with a faultless
performance of his own and although delayed briefly in the pits with just
minutes remaining thanks to a spark plug issue, he would not be denied,
taking the chequered flag to wrap up the race and inaugural Asian Le Mans
Series spoils.
Matthieu Lahaye: "I am delighted to have taken part in this adventure
with the team. I really wanted to reward everyone for their efforts
during the season. It was an important race for me and a first chance to
team up with Jacques and Richard. They have proven throughout the year
just how far they have progressed and were amazing team mates all
weekend!"
Richard Hein: "We are winners in the Asian Le Mans Series! Some might
think that the Series was easier to win as there were fewer competitors
but the first race proved that that's not the case. In this type of
race, you have to be cautious as much with your rivals as yourself. We
approached it the same way we have all year; professionalism,
determination and concentration. Matthieu was great, priceless in fact
and a real reference point for us. Over the season with Matthieu and
Jacques, we did not make a single mistake. For me, it was a perfect
year."
Francois Sicard, Team Manager: "The overall review of the season is very
positive. We have competed in eight races and finished six times on the
podium, including two wins which is a reward for all the team's hard
work. OAK Racing is a team which is progressing all the time and we will
work this winter to build a strong programme for 2010 with the objective
of fighting for wins on a regular basis in the Le Mans Series, as well as
at the Le Mans 24 Hours and other races. We hope to start the 2010 season
as we have finished the 2009 campaign!"
Jacques Nicolet, driver and President of OAK Racing: "The Asian Le Mans
Series marks the end of the season and could not have finished better
than with two wins. I'm as happy as a driver as I am the team owner!
Coming to Japan has given us an opportunity to add to Mazda's successful
endurance racing heritage by winning in their home country. We are
delighted to conclude the season like this after a successful first year
partnership with Mazda and Dunlop, as well as the constructive
partnership with AER."
Thierry Guillemot, President of Mazda France Automobiles and active
partner of the team, attended the event with some directors of the Mazda
Corporation, including its Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mr Masa
Moro:
"What a pleasure to win in the Land of the Rising Sun in front of the
Mazda Corporation and several of its enthusiastic directors! I would like
to congratulate the entire team which provided us with an end-of-season
full of emotion and whose results are looking good for the coming season.
I'm looking forward to next year and the continued partnership with OAK
Racing!"
-credit: oak-racing.com
