Commenting on the announcement, Phil explained:
“It was a really good race. We ran faultlessly in terms of reliability, pitstops, and strategy was well called, so I cannot thank the team enough for executing a strong race. I was pleased with my stints and the performance I showed on track. Every time I was in the car I felt competitive. Le Mans can be one of the best experiences when the car feels good. I think I probably had one of my most enjoyable stints to date during my opening quadruple.
“We started 17th after having a lap deleted and not managing to get a clear lap in what’s always a hectic qualifying session. I knew we had more pace. I made up nine places in the first stint where I was able to pass a car every few laps, which was good fun. It was one of those stints where everything went to plan, so it’s difficult not to enjoy those moments where you’re quick and the confidence is building with every position gained”
“I’m a bit bittersweet not to finish a little further up the order as normally Le Mans is a race of attrition with cars dropping out with issues and incidents. For some reason this year amongst some of the worst weather conditions many stints on cold slicks due to no tyre heaters and a drying track it was quite a clean event for so many cars.
“Normally, if you finish on the lead lap of the race you’re guaranteed to finish second, but this was the first year where we managed to cross the line on the lead lap but could only manage ninth overall. If anything, its a testament to how strong the Hypercar field has become, which is fantastic for the sport, and a privilege to be part of.”
PHIL HANSON HELPS SECURE 9TH PLACE OVERALL FOR HERTZ TEAM JOTA AT 24 HOURS OF LE MANS
Phil Hanson produced a series of strong stints at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, helping Hertz Team JOTA finish 9th overall and a well-earned second-place finish in the FIA World Cup for Hypercar Teams.
It was the eighth-straight appearance at the legendary event for the 24-year-old, as well as his first in the top class, climbing behind the wheel of the #38 Porsche 963 he races in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Brit took part in qualifying but would start the race in an unrepresentative position having been unable to secure a clean lap with 62 cars battling for space on track. However, he knew things would come the way of the team during the contest as they had strong pace in the car.
Phil started the 92nd running of the race, completing a remarkable quadruple stint behind the wheel, passing cars every few laps and gaining nine places during his two hours in the car, before handing over to teammates Oliver Rasmussen and Jenson Button.
He returned to the Porsche 963 just after midnight, for a triple stint as the track dried out from earlier rainfall, coping well in the changing conditions and managing the car’s exit from the pits on cold rubber as tyre warmers were banned this year.
After this second spell in the car, the race was neutralised behind the Safety Car owing to heavy rain and fog, meaning his final time behind the wheel came on Sunday morning, completing another triple stint to keep the team in contention.
At the conclusion of 24 hours of action, Phil and his teammates finished on the lead lap – no mean feat – but in one of the most competitive races in living memory, would have to settle for a strong ninth place overall, as well as completing a one-two for Hertz Team JOTA finish in the FIA World Cup for Hypercar Teams.
Phil returns to FIA World Endurance Championship action in just one month’s time, as round five of the 2024 season – the 6 Hours of São Paulo – takes place over the weekend of July 12-14. However, he is back behind the wheel this coming weekend, June 20-23, for the Six Hours of The Glen, round three of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, at Watkins Glen in New York.
