The Iron Dames missed out on Hyperpole by 30 thousandths
Always very surprising, the Iron Dames experienced a setback at Le Mans. The all-female team did not manage to access the Hyperpole. However, Michelle Gatting assures that she gave it her all.
Sixth in Qatar. Fifth in Imola. On pole at Spa. And « only ninth at Spa. A result certainly correct with a grid of 23 cars, but it does not allow them to defend their chances for pole position. This ninth position in qualifying in Le Mans did not allow the Iron Dames to secure a spot in the hyperpole.
Also read: 24 Hours of Le Mans – Qualifications: BMW in the lead, Alpine in Hyperpole!
On board the Lamborghini number 85, Michelle Gatting claims to have given it her all, but the Dane ultimately fell short by 30 thousandths of the Top 8. On my best lap, I saw some gravel at the exit of the S Porsches. I thought to myself, “if I keep my foot down, I don’t know what could happen.” So, I eased off a bit and lost a few tenths because I wasn’t sure of the grip. That’s why we’re not in the Hyperpole.
The problem of traffic
The Iron Lady believes that there was potential to go even further, since the Iron Lynx car, which is also a Lamborghini, achieved the fourth fastest time in qualifying. « We will focus on the race. »
The trio also addressed an important point. Traffic management. They pointed out the lack of respect from Hypercars when they arrive at full speed behind the GT3s. « We really have to be careful. In braking zones, the Hypercars cut in front of us », complains Rahel Frey. The problem with this maneuver is that the GT3s have ABS and can brake later. This can put them in difficulty in these sequences.
Comments shared by Tom Van Rompuy, driver of Corvette #81. « They are very aggressive. There is not much respect. They act as if we are not there. They always try to push us off the track. It adds a bit of stress to the race. But over time, you get used to it. »
