United Autosports dominates at Portimão

Twelve ORECA 07s took the start this weekend in the second round of the 2023 FIA WEC at the hilly Portimão circuit. At the end of a particularly intense six-hour race, United Autosports pulled off a one-two thanks to a successful strategy and flawless performances on the track!

After a bitter defeat at Sebring, the Anglo-American team was able to bounce back in stunning fashion in Portugal and fight off its opponents for the lead in the championship.

At the wheel of the #23 ORECA 07, Oliver Jarvis/Josh Pierson/Giedo van der Garde beat the sister car driven by Phil Hanson/Frederick Lubin/Ben Hanley by only 0.684 seconds despite incurring a five-second penalty for starting the car while refuelling during a pit stop.

After getting underway in ninth position, WRT’s #41 ORECA 07 shared by Rui Andrade/Robert Kubica/Louis Delétraz battled its way up the classification, claiming the third step on the podium.

The pole-sitter, Prema’s #63 driven by Doriane Pin/Mirko Bortolotti/Daniil Kvyat, finished fourth after leading the race until the last pit stops, and Hertz Team JOTA’s #48 ORECA 07 rounded out the top 5 for its final appearance before joining the top class.

The sixth and seventh spots were clinched by Prema’s #9 ORECA 07 and WRT’s #31, respectively. JOTA’s #28 finished eighth.

The first Alpine A470, #36, ended in ninth position ahead of Inter Europol Competition’s #34 and the #35 sister car.

After demonstrating remarkable top speed during the free practice and qualifying sessions, Vector Sport’s #10 ORECA 07 suffered engine troubles, but despite a loss of power, managed to make it to the chequered flag.

The next round on the calendar, and final rehearsal before the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, on 29 April.