Soheil Ayari and Anthony Pons first winners!

Soheil Ayari and Anthony Pons, despite an rib injury, begin the season on ahigh note for Team Endurance Challenge, finishing ahead of Gary Hirsch and Paul Loup Chatin, who started from the LM PC pole position. Unfortunately Matthieu Lecuyer and Alex Loan were forced to retire.

Soheil Ayari (Team Endurance Challenge, ORECA-FLM 09 #48), 1st LM PC :

« Despite these extreme conditions, I had alot of fun behind the wheel. I enjoyed myself on this track even though it was quite tricky. You had to have a little luck andmanage your efforts to avoid pitfalls. At times we just tried to surviive. Sometimes we could attack. The race went well andit's great to start with a win. Keeping in mind that Anthony has broken ribs, we didn't count on winning. He gritted his teethso bravo to him for such tenacity ! »

Anthony Pons (Team Endurance Challenge, ORECA-FLM 09 #48), 1st LM PC :

« Because of the injury, my beginnings inendurance racing were a little complicated. Physically it wasn't easy and the fact that we raced in the rain meant it was alittle less difficult on me. During practice I really enjoyed myself. Afterwards, it was more difficult. Soheil did most of thework : it was his stint under horrible conditions that made the difference. I'm looking forward to Imola ! »

Full release here