15.08.2004 The Larbre-run Ferrari 550 Maranello cruised to its third successive LMES GTS class victory & in doing so wrapped up the driver's title: Larbre Competition LMES RACE report from Silverstone

The French Larbre Competition team today cruised to their third successive GTS victory in the Le Mans Endurance Series and, with a lead of 7 laps in hand over their nearest rivals in the points tables.

In claiming victory, the three drivers, Christophe Bouchut, Pedro Lamy and Steve Zacchia, secured the GTS Drivers’ title with one race still to go.

The Care Racing owned and Prodrive built Ferrari 550 Maranello ran faultlessly throughout the six hour race, the only hiccup being a stop go penalty awarded in the final hour for speeding in the pit lane. This did not, however, have any effect on the final classification. 

The win reinforces Larbre’s supremacy in GT racing, with a Championship title won every year in the new Millenium, FIA GT, French GT and now LMES.

Coming just two weeks after the BMS Scuderia Italia victory in the 24 Hours of Spa, it also proves once again the superior performance and reliability of the Prodrive developed Care Racing Ferrari 550s. 

Christophe Bouchut (F): “It’s a great victory. The Saleen was a bit quicker than us today and we had problems all weekend to find the right balance for our car. The result is more important than the race though and it’s wonderful to win here at Silverstone.”

Pedro Lamy (P): “It’s really good to win here. It’s ten years ago since I had my big accident at Silverstone in the Lotus and, although I’ve raced here since, it’s not been my favourite place. It’s a good feeling though today.”

Steve Zacchia (CH): “I was just trying to drive safely and consistently during my stint to keep the car on the track and to hand it over to Pedro in the same position that Christophe had given it to me - 1st.”

Jack Leconte, Team Principal: “It’s been a great century for me so far with Championship titles every year since 2000, a really incredible time for my team and all the Larbre family.

"To have my good friend, Christophe [Bouchut] as part of a top driving team, with Pedro, has made it even more special and a very good atmosphere.

"Steve [Zacchia] has learnt progressively and his understanding and racecraft has improved all the time, and I think he has done a very good job keeping in touch with the other two. To have Larbre with the Care Racing package would seem to be unbeatable!”

Silverstone LMES race report and Result