By the Numbers: LMGTE Champions

The 2018 Season

The all Italian crew of Gianluca Roda, Giorgio Roda and Matteo Cairoli got the season off to a good start by claiming the first of two poles for the start of the 4 Hours of Le Castellet. A glorious battle with the no66 JMW Motorsport Ferrari saw some great on track action with Cairoli leading until the very last lap of the race, when he was passed by Miguel Molina and finished the race in second place.

Matteo Cairoli was unable to take part in the Italian’s home race at Monza and former FIA WEC Champion Gianmaria Bruni partnered the two Rodas. A disappointing race saw the Italian crew finish 5^th at the end of the 4 Hours of Monza, the only event the no88 Porsche wasn’t in the top 3 during 2018.

Cairoli rejoined the crew for Round 3 in Austria and celebrated with his teammates with their one victory of the 2018 season. 

At Silverstone another second place was added to the season tally in almost a carbon copy finish to the race in Le Castellet.  A ding dong battle with Molina’s JMW Motorsport Ferrari had the fans on the edge of their seats with the British team taking a home win.

Half points at Spa-Francorchamps was followed with a third place in the season finale in Portugal.

Gianluca and Giorgio Roda made ELMS history by becoming the first father and son to win an ELMS title together. Because Matteo Cairoli missed the race at Monza he was classified third in the Driver’s Championship, 10 points behind his teammates and 2.5 points behind the JMW Motorsport crew of Alex MacDowall, Liam Griffin and Miguel Molina.