Kamui Kobayashi was the fastest driver in the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid after the initial three-hour session on the Test Day of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The first action on track saw the grid of 62 cars take to the Circuit de la Sarthe to begin the pre-event test before the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With calm and stable weather conditions, drivers had the opportunity to carry out important tests during the first of two sessions today. In addition to reserve drivers having their first experience in Hypercar laps around the 13.626 km circuit, those participating in their first Le Mans aimed to complete the minimum required 10 laps. Although the lap times themselves do not indicate the order of the Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3 classes, the Test Day is a crucial first step in preparing for the main race next weekend. After the completion of the Test Day, track action for the main race will resume on Wednesday, June 12, with FP1 and qualifying sessions.
Matt Bell of the #47 LMP2 Pro/Am Cool Racing Oreca 07 faced difficulties early in the day, when he was seen moving slowly and emitting smoke in the final sector (3). This led to a red flag being waved after 40 minutes of completed time. Renger van der Zande in the #3 Cadillac V-Series.R also had a stoppage on his out lap in Sector 3, resulting in another red flag. Ryan Cullen in the #10 Vector Sport Oreca received a 5-minute stop and go penalty for exceeding track limits before a safety car was deployed for testing purposes. Takeshi Kimura of the #87 Akoddis ASP Lexus RC F LMGT3 caused a yellow flag across the circuit after stopping in the first sector at the Dunlop Bridge. A second red flag was waved shortly before the scheduled end of the session due to a stoppage in the middle of the Porsche Curves section at turn 25.
At the end of the session, Kobayashi set the fastest time of 3:28.467 in the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid. Kevin Estre in the #6 Porsche Penske 963 came in second with a time of 3:29.205. Robin Frijns in the #20 BMW WRT M Hybrid V8 secured third place in the Hypercar category with a time of 3:29.433. Mirko Bortolotti in the #63 Lamborghini Iron Lynx SC63 reached fourth place with a time of 3:29.639, while Robert Kubica in the #83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P finished fifth with a time of 3:29.732. In the LMP2 category, Job van Uitert in the #28 IDEC Sport Oreca clocked the fastest time of 3:37.044. Olly Jarvis in the #22 United Autosports Oreca followed with a time of 3:37.176, and Louis Deletraz in the #14 AO Racing by TF Sport ‘Spike The Dragon’ Oreca took third place with a time of 3:37.394. Clement Novolak in the #34 Inter Europol Competition Oreca secured fourth place with a time of 3:37.762, while Mathias Beche in the #65 Panis Racing Oreca achieved a time of 3:38.159, securing fifth place. In the LMGT3 category, Akkodis ASP finished in first and second place with the #78 Lexus RC F, driven by Kelvin van der Linde, setting the fastest time of 4:00.106. Esteban Masson in the #87 Lexus followed with a time of 4:00.668, securing second place. Sean Gelael in the #31 BMW WRT M4 finished third with a time of 4:00.929, while Nicolas Costa in the #59 United Autosports McLaren 720S LMGT3 EVO achieved a time of 4:01.173, securing fourth place. Frederick Schandorff in the #70 Inception Racing McLaren 720S finished fifth with a time of 4:01.194.
© 2024
Portugal wins the Eurocup title in an exciting final against Germany. The Portuguese national football team won the match 2-1, securing their second victory in the history of the tournament.
The game started with Germany pressing and creating good goal-scoring opportunities. However, it was Portugal who opened the scoring at the 30th minute of the first half, with a beautiful goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star received a precise cross and headed it in, leaving no chance for the German goalkeeper.
Germany did not give up and continued pressing for the equalizer. At the 45th minute, they managed to level the score with a penalty goal converted by Müller. The first half ended with a 1-1 draw, leaving everything open for the second half.
In the second half, both teams showed intense and balanced football. Goal-scoring opportunities were scarce, but Portugal was more efficient and scored the winning goal at the 75th minute. Bruno Fernandes received a through pass and finished with skill, securing the title for the Portuguese national team.
With this victory, Portugal establishes itself as one of the greatest teams in Europe. The team led by coach Fernando Santos displayed solid and efficient football throughout the tournament, achieving important victories and overcoming strong opponents.
Euro 2024 will be remembered in Portuguese football history as another great achievement. The players and coaching staff celebrate the title with great emotion and pride, knowing that they have left a legacy for the sport in their country.
Now, the Portuguese national team is preparing for new challenges and competitions. The goal is to maintain a good performance and win more titles, representing Portugal with determination and passion on the international stage. The Portuguese fans celebrate the victory and eagerly await new achievements in the future.
