Rebellion Racing claims the second step on the overall podium at 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans
Initially scheduled in June, the 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans was held this weekend on 19-20 September. At the start were 59 cars, five in the LMP1 class including two Rebellion R-13s. Determined to reach the podium against TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, Rebellion Racing can leave Le Mans with a true sense of accomplishment thanks to its second place finish for the #1 driven by Menezes/Senna/Nato and fourth place for the #3 shared by Berthon/Delétraz/Dumas.
With a win at the first 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual in June, the two Rebellion R-13s arrived at the 24 Hours vying for a podium finish. The Rebellion Racing team accomplished its mission: after covering 5,204.33 km, the #1 took second place between the #8 Toyota TS050 and #7 Toyota TS050!
Between spectacle, speed and tenacity, the Rebellions put on a show at the 24 Hours of Le Mans! Despite a weather forecast predicting rain that never came, Rebellion proved solid throughout the race and demonstrated itself as a real threat to the Japanese prototypes. Bruno Senna even clocked the fastest lap with the R13.
After a fierce duel between the sister cars in second and third positions on Sunday morning, the #3 had to relinquish its spot on the podium late morning. The car was forced to make a pit stop with clutch problems and to change its bodywork after leaving the track. Despite an intervention by the safety car which would have allowed the car to make up time, the #3 never caught up to the #7.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has pulled off a hat trick and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans once again. Providing its operational support to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the ORECA Groupe is proud to share this new triumph with the team.
Hugues de Chaunac, President of the ORECA Group: Here’s a super podium that fills us with joy and pride! I would especially like to congratulate our drivers who made it to the end of 24 hours of racing, with a special mention for Gustavo Menezes, Norman Nato and Bruno Senna who fought valiantly, did a flawless race and reached the second step on the podium. I would also like to thank very warmly the Automobile Club de l’Ouest who overcame every obstacle in order to give us a magnificent 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans. The execution of this international event was crucial and the message sent is clear: united, everyone wins in motorsport! Bravo to Toyota for winning the race with art and style! Lastly, to the fans unable to watch the race in person at Le Mans, between the show and the adrenaline the race offered, we hope you were able to enjoy an extraordinary race on your screens!