Shortly thereafter, the No. 8 Toyota began experiencing issues. Pascal Vasselon, Toyota’s Technical Director, recounted how, during Hirokawa’s stint, they faced the possibility of losing both cars due to engine overheating issues while dealing with Kobayashi’s incident simultaneously.
Ferrari
The issue was attributed to debris accumulation on the car’s front, hindering the cooling system’s effectiveness. Despite efforts to resolve the problem, Toyota could only address it after Hirokawa’s stint, resulting in the loss of their 12-second lead.
Although the front end of the car showed no visible damage in the pits, a closer inspection revealed the root of the issue. Vasselon explained that a significant piece of Kevlar obstructed the cooling system, which they promptly removed to resume the race.
Following the repair, Toyota made a valiant effort to reclaim the lead but struggled to match Ferrari’s pace. Ultimately, with under three hours remaining, Hirokawa’s spin secured Ferrari’s first overall victory at la Sarthe in 58 years.
This underscores the immense challenges in endurance racing, with numerous variables and potential issues. It requires a monumental effort to ensure all aspects of the cars and teams operate smoothly and effectively. Even when all protocols are followed diligently, unexpected hurdles can arise. Apologies for the pun.
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