Ram Racing 24 Hours of Le Mans - Six hour report

Matt Griffin, Alvaro Parente and Federico Leo has endured a challenging start to the race.

Six-hours into the 24 hours of Le Mans, the #52 Ram Racing Ferrari 458 Italia of Matt Griffin, Alvaro Parente and Federico Leo has endured a challenging start to the race. 

Sudden and torrential rain two hours into the race caused concern and caught out experienced drivers through all four classes. Matt Griffin in the #52 was the victim of circumstance when he spun off the track at the Ford chicane and into the gravel but thankfully he could re-join and hand over to Alvaro Parente. 

At the four-hour mark the gremlins struck, and electrical issues which resulted in a small cockpit fire forced Alvaro first off track where it was extinguished, and then back to the garage where the team worked furiously to resolve the issue. Federico Leo is now behind the wheel for his first stint but 20 laps have been forfeited to the lead group of LMGTE Pro cars.

The #53 Ferrari 458 Italia of Mowlem, Hamilton and Patterson has been running solidly, with no concerns or worries.

Johnny triple-stinted from the start of the race, and managed the changeable conditions on track superbly, running as high as second before handing over to the capable Archie Hamilton.

Johnny Mowlem: “I made up several positions at the start in the dry. Then, it started raining and I thought I would stay out for one more lap; I gambled a bit to be honest, and it paid off. It was really difficult behind the safety car on slicks; I could not go more than 80 kilometres an hour without it aquaplaning. After the second short, sharp shower and another safety car, I just inched away a little bit. We got up to P2 and it was a good run, but we still have a long way to go.” 

Archie Hamilton: “The car feels good and I had a really solid run in P2. I’ve just handed the car over to Mark who has just jumped in for his first run. Johnny did a great job at the start to get us into position. The most challenging part of race so far is managing the traffic. Because of the different classes, there are a lot of cars out there that are catching you so you have to manage the moves and take no risks. I want to finish the race and not go home early like last year!” 

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