Audi wins dramatic race marred by death of Allan Simonsen

The undisputed king of Le Mans, Tom Kristensen, took the chequered flag in the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro after a dramatic final couple of hours in which the weather, which had played a part throughout the race, saved its best for last with a huge downpour that caused chaos throughout the field. The win gave Kristensen his ninth victory while team-mate Allan McNish claimed his hat-trick and Loic Duval his maiden win.

The trio finished ahead of the Toyota TS030 Hybrid of Anthony Davidson, Stephane Sarrazin and Sebastien Buemi after a close battle but one which Audi looked to manage for more than half of the 24 hours. Rounding off the podium was the Audi of Oliver Jarvis, Marc Gene and Lucas Di Grassi. However, the celebrations were muted because of the death of Aston Martin driver, Allan Simonsen, in the early stages of the race. Also Read: 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans Special Coverage 

The race looked to be just about over as a contest with about 75 minutes to go as Kristensen was managing his lead over the Toyota. However, the rain came down at its heaviest forcing teams to pit for wet weather tyres. The situation was made worse when two LMP2 cars crashed in the rain to bring the 11th safety car period. At the same time the Toyota driven by Lapierre hit the barriers at the Porsche Curves and pitted for a new front end, giving the Audi a comfortable lead for third after the two cars had enjoyed a real battle for the final podium place.

Toyota had proved a worthy competitor to Audi and had led early in the race after a furious start to the race in which the two Toyotas homed in on their rivals from the start. McNish was passed by Lotterer before the pair had got to the Dunlop Bridge while Lapierre moved his Toyota TS030 Hybrid up to second by the end of the first lap.

The leading three cars were fighting tooth and nail as though it was a sprint rather than a 24-hour endurance race and Lapierre and Lotterer swapped the lead until the race was brought to a halt after Simonsen’s crash. Davidson moved into the lead once the race was restarted but by the end of the fourth hour, Audi held the three podium positions. Toyota wouldn’t lead the race again and although there were moments when they threatened, it was Audi who would take another historic victory.