Zapping Le Blogauto Test of the Volkswagen ID3 (2023)
The #6 Porsche 963 achieved a time of 3 minutes 26.907 seconds, some 2 tenths ahead of the #4 Penske Porsche in 3’27”142. For the moment, the Toytoas and the Ferraris seem to be on pace but undoubtedly masking their real level a little. This is common and fair game since the BoP has been reworked and necessarily modifies the forces present. Moreover, it was Toyota which led the first of the two test sessions this morning.
the 62 competitors in the 24 hours of Le Mans benefited from two 3-hour sessions (i.e. 6 hours) on the large 24-hour circuit for the only day of testing available. Suffice to say that work had to be done and the planned programs carried out. Because the next time the prototypes return to the track, it’s only Wednesday for the first official session. For some beginner drivers, it was necessary to complete 10 laps. And this must be done while the other competitors are running their program.
The crews also need to get used to this track. And this is valid even when you have already done the 24 hours of Le Mans. The cars are evolving and so is the track. So all three drivers have time in the car. This allows you to prepare as well as possible. Qualification and the race are approaching. For some, it was not a rest lap with, for example, Richelmi going off the track which caused a red flag, or serious technical problems for Akkodis ASP (Lexus #78). Every minute wasted is precious. It’s not BMW that will say the opposite since hypercar #15 wasted two hours in the garage. A changed V8 all the same.
The 24 hours of Le Mans also depends on these pre-race details. This costs driving, fatigue, etc. and that could result in a bad race next Saturday and Sunday. Note that these tests make it possible to improve the track which is “green”. This makes it possible to deposit rubber, but also to remove debris from the trajectory (there were punctures elsewhere). Finally, this allows race management to hone safety procedures.
Note that Pechito Lopez, who was to complete the 24 hours in a Lexus RF GT3, returned to the GR010 after Mike Conway threw in the towel. Conway fell off his bike and suffered ribs and a collarbone in the bag.
Hypercar ranking on the test day
| P | Team | Car | TIME | GAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Porsche Penske Motorsport | Porsche 963 | 3:26.907 | |
| 2 | Porsche Penske Motorsport | Porsche 963 | 3:27.142 | 0.235 |
| 3 | Toyota Gazoo Racing | Toyota GR010 – Hybrid | 3:27.615 | 0.708 |
| 4 | Porsche Penske Motorsport | Porsche 963 | 3:27.773 | 0.866 |
| 5 | Ferrari AF Corsica | Ferrari 499P | 3:28.014 | 1.107 |
| 6 | BMW M Team WRT | BMW M HYBRID V8 | 3:28.072 | 1.165 |
| 7 | Lamborghini Iron Lynx | Lamborghini SC63 | 3:28.222 | 1.315 |
| 8 | AF Corsica | Ferrari 499P | 3:28.248 | 1,341 |
| 9 | Hertz Team JOTA | Porsche 963 | 3:28.487 | 1,580 |
| 10 | Toyota Gazoo Racing | Toyota GR010 – Hybrid | 3:28.827 | 1,920 |
| 11 | Hertz Team JOTA | Porsche 963 | 3:29.043 | 2.136 |
| 12 | Ferrari AF Corsica | Ferrari 499P | 3:29.162 | 2,255 |
| 13 | Peugeot TotalEnergies | Peugeot 9X8 | 3:29.326 | 2,419 |
| 14 | Whelen Cadillac Racing | Cadillac V-Series.R | 3:29.360 | 2,453 |
| 15 | BMW M Team WRT | BMW M HYBRID V8 | 3:29.580 | 2,673 |
| 16 | Cadillac Racing | Cadillac V-Series.R | 3:29.617 | 2,710 |
| 17 | Alpine Endurance Team | Alpine A424 | 3:29.620 | 2,713 |
| 18 | Lamborghini Iron Lynx | Lamborghini SC63 | 3:29.750 | 2,843 |
| 19 | Cadillac Racing | Cadillac V-Series.R | 3:29.767 | 2,860 |
| 20 | Alpine Endurance Team | Alpine A424 | 3:29.828 | 2,921 |
| 21 | Peugeot TotalEnergies | Peugeot 9X8 | 3:29.888 | 2,981 |
| 22 | Proton Competition | Porsche 963 | 3:31.411 | 4.504 |
| 23 | Isotta Fraschini | Isotta Fraschini Tipo6-C | 3:33.006 | 6,099 |
To sum up
The two “unofficial” test sessions took place on the major 24-hour circuit in preparation for next weekend’s race. The Penske Porsches set the pace. But it’s only the test day and we now have to wait until Wednesday for the official free practices and the qualifying session. Hyperpole is Thursday.
