Cadillac brings two IMSA LMDh at Le Mans

WECHyperCar

Jun 10

📷 © Luc Warnotte at Le Mans Test Day 2024.

Pipo Derani was the fastest among the 9 Cadillac Racing drivers with the 26th fastest lap of the Test Day. This result in no way prejudges the level of the Cadillac V-Series.R comparing to the other Hypercars involved because we have no information on what the teams do in terms of tire choice, quantity of fuel or risks taken...

Test Day provides the opportunity for manufacturers and teams to formulate a set-up baseline, gather data and work out issues in preparation for qualifying practice June 12. The top eight cars in that 60-minute session advance to the 30-minute Hyperpole on June 13 that will set the first four rows of the start of the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Two IMSA LMDh based Cadillac V-Series.R

Together with Porsche and Lamborghini who bring an IMSA LMDh each at Le Mans, Cadillac brings two IMSA based LMDh to Le Mans (#3 which is #01 in IMSA and #311 which is #31 in IMSA). Those cars will fly back to the USA for the Watkins Glen race the next weekend(June 23). “One thing that we take as much advantage of as possible is making sure that we use all vehicles that we bring with our Cadillac program to benefit the entire program. Now we have the opportunity to take three cars and work on three different things to figure out what’s best for everybody in the end,” GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser said.

Dixon and Palou in IndyCar

Eight drivers saw seat time, including reserve driver Tristan Vautier. Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon, who was competing this weekend in the IndyCar race at Road America, will join #3 Cadillac V-Series.R teammates Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande for free practice June 12. Reigning and two-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou, who will make his Le Mans debut alongside Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn in the #2 Cadillac V-Series.R, will also get his initial laps June 12.

Aitken between DTM races and Le Mans test day

Pipo Derani and Felipe Drugovich were the fastest among the Cadillac drivers with #311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R (14th overall). Jack Aitken was in #311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R for 64 minutes, which included a red flag and safety car practice after having won the DTM race from pole at Zanvoort on Saturday, flying to Circuit de la Sarthe to take part in the morning session of Test Day and then returning to The Netherlands for the second DTM race which he finished 16th.

Jack Aitken: “The track feels not too bad. I felt like it was better than in previous years when we came for the Test Day with a bit of resurfacing as well. I generally felt comfortable in the car, and I got the important laps in, so thanks to the team and Cadillac for their efforts. I knew (this weekend) was going to be busy any way we cut it and would try to make the best of the situation. I’m not too worried about being prepared. I’ve been here a couple of times before, and as a team we’ve made a few big improvements from last year. I’m just looking forward to getting on track more Wednesday. Thankfully, Cadillac has been very generous in allowing me to take part in the DTM weekend at Zanvoort – not only Friday and Saturday but also Sunday’s race.”

Pipo Derani: "It was a productive day, especially compared to last year. I think the Test Day ran much smoother. Having been here a year before, learning and being much more prepared this year is a big plus. We’re running through the program smoothly while continuing to improve over last year. Everything we wanted to do, check the boxes, today we did, so it was a positive day for us and gives us a good foundation to get back Wednesday and go from there.”

Felipe Drugovich: “The day has been pretty good. The car has been good throughout the day and we’re just working on the balance of the car and getting as much data as we can. For me, it was getting used to the track, the car and the tires as well. At the beginning of the stint, I felt a little lost because you’re used to tires that you have experience with and it’s a lot to take in at first. Things settled down quickly and I think I did OK. After the test I did at Laguna Seca, this car fits this track. It’s really cool; you feel like you’re pushing the limits with this car. I look forward to later this week to get more time in the car. I’m enjoying it and really pleased with this opportunity from Cadillac.”

Cadillac V-Series.R #2

Alex Lynn with #2 Cadillac V-Series.R was third of the eight Cadillac drivers which did put his Cadillac in P16 of Test Day.

Alex Lynn: “It’s been one year since we last ran this car on this track so it’s a unique challenge but one that this car handles really well. I genuinely got a good feeling with the car. We’re just trying to get more speed out of it to prepare for qualifying practice and reaching Hyperpole like we did last year. I’m enjoying back here.”

Earl Bamber: “I think we’re a lot more sorted coming to Le Mans for the second year with the project. I think it was a good day, it was productive. We learned some things, got some good mileage under our belts and now the work starts to analyze all the data, all the set-up items and come back for free practice 1. I think we started off where we ended the (2023) race. The car feels good, and I think we’re much better prepared as a team operationally, so I feel we’re well-prepared.” Source: Cadillac Racing

Tristan Vauthier with #3 Cadillac

Cadillac Racing reserve driver Tristan Vauthier did share the #3 Cadillac with van der Zande and Bourdais.

Sebastien Bourdais: “I think we’ve made a significant step forward on systems. We’ve been focusing on race trims and trying to get the balance where we want it, get good tire data and make sure that balance and grip stay fairly consistent over two or three stints. In general, the track seems a bit harder on tires than last year, so there is a bit more sliding around and that’s where we’re trying to see how much margin we have as far as adjustments on the set-up to regain the grip that we’ve lost. Overall, the car is responding well and the engine side I feel like we have a better handle on things and the systems in general are a lot smoother and predictable than our first time here last year. We just have to fine-tune some things to bet ready for qualifying practice.”

Renger van der Zande: "This morning we lost a lot of time and we should be happy we’re only with two drivers for the Test Day because if it’s three you lose even more time on the test items because everybody wants to get laps. Altogether, we ticked a lot of boxes off what we wanted to work on."