SUPPLEMENTAL NISSAN NEWS From: Corporate Communications Dept.
A30-SN-8041 Date: June 7, 1998
(02.00, Sunday, June 7,1998)
NISSAN MOVES UP LE MANS LEADERBOARD
The leading Nissan R390 GT1 in the Le Mans 24 Hours race has moved up the leaderboard to third overall and is increasing the pressure on the race leaders.
A sudden rain shower just after 01.30 forced the team into making an unscheduled tyre change but the Nissan R390 GT1 (car 30) driven by Frank Lagorce, John Nielsen and Michael Krumm, has continued to be entirely reliable as the race reaches half distance.
Frank Lagorce said: "I am very happy with our car. In fact, the biggest problem is getting me out of it. I feel very comfortable and happy after each stint."
In sixth place overall, car 32 driven by Kazuyoshi Hoshino, Aguri Suzuki and Masahiko Kageyama has lapped and changed to intermediate tyres without trouble. Kageyama said: "I am driving the car at my own pace but carefully. The car feels fine and is racing well."
Car 31, driven by Jan Lammers, Erik Comas and Andrea Montermini had battled
its way back to ninth place overall after a brave 'triple-stint' by Andrea Montermini in the dark. But he had just handed over to Jan Lammers when the rain came down and Lammers was caught out by the shower. He briefly slid off the track but returned to the pits where the car was given a thorough clean and check. The car is now holding 13th place overall.
The Nissan Motorsport Nova R390 GT1 had been delayed slightly by a minor electrical problem just after midnight and was also hindered by the rain. Like Lammers, Masami Kageyama slid briefly off the track and had to return to the pits for a check. The car is now lying in 15th overall.
The Nissan-engined Courage C51 continues to lead the prototype category and is in fourth place overall.
Ends
For further information, contact:
Nissan Press Office: + 33 243 75 62 50
or mimi@r390.demon.co.uk