6 HOURS OF MONZA: RACE LEADERS, SAFETY CAR CHALLENGES AND LAST LAP OVERTAKES
United Autosports 6 Hours of Monza 2023
There was action from the start at yesterday's 6 Hours of Monza (Sunday 9th July) – the fifth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Sadly, however, the pace, attack and defiant defence of the United Autosports duo which, at numerous points, made another 1-2 finish look possible, was thwarted by unfortunately-timed FCYs and Safety Cars.
For the #22 crew of Phil Hanson, Ben Hanley and Frederick Lubin, a solid performance in Qualifying meant a second row start in P3 – which Hanley quickly upgraded to second on his opening laps. Before the half-way point of the race, contact with a GT car caused some small damage – the time loss compounded by a FCY which came into force after the team had pitted. From P9 to P6 at the checkered flag, however, it was a good recovery effort by the all-British trio - who have, with another haul of points, successfully maintained their P3 championship standing.
In the #23 ORECA 07, Giedo van der Garde took the start, storming through the LMP2 pack from P11 to P1 in nine laps, making it a United Autosports 1-2 by the first hour marker. Josh Pierson followed with speed and Oliver Jarvis defended to the hilt, continuing to lead the race into the fourth hour – before a Safety Car disrupted the path to victory. On the final lap, the podium was still clearly in sight but, heartbreakingly, a last lap overtake snatched P3 from the deserving team.
Next stop, Japan. The 6 Hours of Fuji is the penultimate round of the FIA World Endurance Championship on September 10th. In the meantime, stay up to date with the team on social @unitedautosports.
United Autosports - Phil Hanson, Frederick Lubin, Ben Hanley - 6 Hours of Monza 2023
CAR #22
QUALI P3 | RACE P6 | CHAMP P3
Phil Hanson: “That was a very frustrating race. We had a lot of pace but I had an incident with a GT not seeing me turning in which caused me to spin, and we picked up a small amount of damage which is never ideal. We still had pace and were in touching distance of the leader but unfortunately, we stopped just before a Safety Car which came out of the blue. That killed our race because it meant we lost track position and then we had to come back in the pits after so we lost the time of an entire pit stop to the leaders.”
Frederick Lubin: “The end result is disappointing. A GT had contact with Phil which is not what we needed after Le Mans. Beforehand, pace seemed to be there … I was very happy with my first stint. There are still two rounds left, this car has a lot of pace and the boys are gunning for the win. So we’ll get our heads down over the summer, work hard and come back for a better result at Fuji.”
Ben Hanley: “Disappointed with the end result. We had a really good race car so big thanks to the United Autosports team for that. Unfortunately, contact with the GT caused an issue that we had to carry through to the end of the race so, today, we weren’t able to show our full potential.”
United Autosports - Josh Pierson, Oliver Jarvis, Giedo van der Garde - 6 Hours of Monza
CAR #23
QUALI P11| RACE P4 | CHAMP P4
Josh Pierson: “Obviously not where we wanted to finish. We were on for at least 2nd but then we got unlucky with the Safety Car which put us on the back foot. Everyone wanted more and we are not satisfied with the result – which is funny in hindsight considering where we started. We definitely finished with a few positives though. Giedo was amazing on the start, passing every single car on the grid and Olly drove brilliantly under pressure. We didn’t get the podium, which is disheartening after an incredible start and leading a good portion of the race – but we go onwards to Fuji to prove we are strong contenders.”
Giedo van der Garde: "It was a very eventful race ... Qualifying didn't go as well as expected. So at the start of the race we had to push very hard from P11. And it was good, we were P6 after lap one. By lap 9, we were P1. Then we stayed there for close to five hours. The three drivers did a great job together but we were very unlucky with the Safety Car. We lost a lot of time there. We ended up in P4, just off the podium. We deserved so much more with that race - strategy-wise, the car, the drivers, the team. Without the Safety Car, we would have been in contention for the victory. It's hard ... but that's racing. It's been great to work with United Autsoports, thank you to Richard Dean for the opportunity - and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season."
Oliver Jarvis: “P4 at the checkered flag is obviously extremely disappointing having led the race for so long. Trying to remain positive … to come from last to first on Giedo’s opening stint is amazing, and Josh did a great job – he was extremely quick. In my triple stint, I managed to maintain the lead. Without the Safety Car timing, we could have fought for the victory with JOTA. Unfortunately, these things happen, but it’s very tough to take. Now we look forward to Fuji. Hopefully we can get back on the top step of the podium. I think we need to win the last two races to fight for the championship.”
CEO
Richard Dean: “To go from first and second in the FIA World Endurance Championship race at Monza and only come away with P4 and P6 is disappointing. We led for over 4 hours, but for the #23 it fell apart with the Safety Car and the #22 had a little bit of contact and a spin. We have the pace to win and it was a great effort by the team. We can't keep having runs of bad luck … it felt like our Portimao 1-2 was going to repeat itself here, but I'm sure that if we keep this pace and performance up, we will get another one.”
