Tragedy and Triumph for Porsche in the Final Hour

It all turned around in the final hour of the race. Porsche car #17 that had lead most of the race suddenly was back in the lead when an electrical failure forced the then-leading #18 into the pits and garage for repairs. With half an hour of the race left Audi were fighting hard to chase down the Porsche car but the pace and gap was just too much for them to fathom. Brendon Hartley brought the car home for the German team, taking their second win and back-to-back victory for #17. #18 tried to get out to do a final lap so they could secure the points for the team with a fifth-place in class but whether they will be awarded those points is unknown. As they did not do a final lap – having left the pits and then crossed the line – it may be classed that they had not finished the race. An update will be posted when it is known if they will or will not receive points. They have been classified in the final race standings.

Team Bykolles car #4 beat both of the Rebellion cars in the LMP1 privateers. With a highly less troublesome race than the Rebellion cars it was clear from about half way through the race that this would probably be the result. Rebellion #13 beat #12 in the end. They did not spray the champagne on their podium in respect of Damien Lewis, the Rebellion mechanic who sadly lost his life in a road accident in Germany.

Luck struck for the #26 G-Drive car when KCMG team picked up a stop/go penalty for a pit stop infringement. This took them completely out of contention to challenge for the win. There was a small chance that G-Drive #28 could potential knock #47 down another step on the podium but because the stop/go was only brief (with no time frame) there was still a twenty second gap when the championship leaders returned to the track. #26 took a comfortable win in LMP2, helping to bring the championship fight with KCMG closer than before.

LMGTE Pro saw #51 getting yet another black and orange flag for the malfunctioning door. This time it was because the number plate was not illuminated. They pitted instantly and ended completely at the back of the LMGTE Pro classifications. Because of this the constructors battle in GTE Pro has been closed by Porsche, who managed to keep their 1-2 with car #91 finishing ahead of the sister #92. The other AF Corse #71 took the last step of the podium with the Aston Martins fighting between themselves for the other positions. #99 was hit with a stop and go, like #47, for a pit stop infringement but retained their position on track.

Ferrari ruined the third attempted at a Porsche 1-2 in LMGTE Am when they took the win with car #72. SMP Racing took the top step, denying the Dempsey car its opportunity to convert their pole position into a win. In the end Dempsey’s #77 finished forth in class, with Porsche #88 coming home second and AF Corse #83 completing the podium. #83 was in the chance for a win but it failed to start again after it’s final pit stop which caused a long delay. #72 was almost blocked by the stalled AF Corse car but managed to get out and into the lead before fast-chasing Earl Bamber, who finished the race for Abu-Dhabi Proton Racing, could take the lead from him. Bamber didn’t give up the fight, but in the end the gap was too much to close.

With the point difference now only ten points between the drivers of Porsche #17 and championship leaders Audi #7 the six hours of Fuji look to be another exciting six hours of racing. With the second Porsche’s unlucky finish the gap in the constructors championship has been reduced. But there is now a possible chance that Porsche could win both the constructors and driver championships this year. With three races left and 75 points available to take away almost anything could happen. But the question of Porsche’s reliability has again emerged after it lost them a solid 1-2 in LMP1 today. Will that be their Achilles heel or will they be able to take the challenge to Audi and fight them for the World title.

Join us on the 11th of October when we get started with coverage of the six hours of Fuji.

(image: www.sportscar365.com)

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