The #65 ORECA team went to the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit for the Prologue on Monday and Tuesday with the satisfaction of setting the fastest time of all sessions by Arthur Leclerc, who was making his LMP2 debut.
The first free practice session (P10) on Friday gave the staff the opportunity to review the whole expected plan, completing 45 laps. During the second session on Saturday morning (P3), engineers and drivers continued to fine-tune the technical set-up in preparation for early afternoon qualifying. This was entrusted to Arthur Leclerc, who placed the #65 ORECA in 9th position for Sunday's start.
Adorned with the yellow feline logo of major partner Boutsen VDS, the #65 ORECA was in the hands of silver driver Manuel Maldonado for the start of the 1st round of the season, from the 5th row in front of 11,000 spectators. Despite the complexity of the exercise, the Venezuelan managed to maintain his position. Unfortunately, he was hit by an LMP3 on the 8th lap and lost 3 places. Nevertheless, an incident in front of him allowed him to move up to 7th place after his first pitstop. He then passed the #23 United Autosports car and handed over the wheel to Arthur Leclerc, who started his first endurance race. On his first laps he managed to gain a position, then another on lap 88 with a convincing overtake of the #9 Iron-Lynx Proton. Two laps later, after a solid stint from the Monegasque, it was now Charles Milesi's turn to take to the track in 6th place. He showed great speed lap after lap and quickly moved up to P5, which he held until the checkered flag.
Olivier Panis - Team Principal : 'The whole team did a great job throughout the week with TDS Racing. Starting from 9th place, Manuel managed the start perfectly and was able to stay focus despite being hit, before making a fine overtaking move. For his 'first', Arthur showed his ability to fight with the best on the track, and Charles lived up to his reputation as a solid and particularly fast driver who can be counted on to win places. Well done to all the staff for this strong Top 5. Congratulations to the Richard Mille by TDS #29 car for their 2nd place on the Pro-Am podium. We will now be working hard to prepare for the 4-hour race at Le Castellet and there is no doubt we have all what it takes to fight our way to the top of the standings this season.’
