Ferrari Challenge @ Le Mans 2013

The Ferrari Challenge took to the circuit of Le Mans earlier today to entertain the huge crowds before the 24 hour race. As always the Ferrari Challenge did not disappoint. From the very start it was action – after a brief rain storm the track was barely dry and the competitors struggled for grip many including Fons Scheltema diving for the pits even before they had passed the start line. Philipp Baron took an early lead pulling out 11 seconds over his nearest competitors pole-sitter Jeff Segal, Team Ukraine’s Sergey Chukanov and Stefano Gai. As Baron continued to extend his lead, Chukanov and Segal traded places. Adamski now on new tyres was fighting is way through the ranks, appearing with the rear bumper flying loose.
With 36 minutes of the race 45 minute race left to run and the pit stop window not yet open, Baron headed for the pits. A problem under breaking manifesting itself into a right rear suspension failure, despite Baron’s earlier dominance his race was already over. Chukanov and Segal took full advantage while continuing the battle which eventually saw the hard charging Chukanov head for the pits in the lead.
While many chose to pit early for the compulsory 60-second pit stop many left it till much later like Massimiliano Bianchi, the Coppa Shell driver, who took the lead of the race closely pursued by Alex Martin. Chukanov had resumed his fight, this time with Gai. Gai in the lead was pushing hard and spun and Chukanov pounced, missing Gai by centimeters. With just minutes of the race left the battles continued through the field on this. Chukanov was a clear leader but Martin was closing fast and picking off the opposition after completing his stop. The next round of Ferrari Challenge Europe will take place at the Portuguese circuit of Portimao on 20-21st July.