SUPPLEMENTAL NISSAN NEWS
A30-SN-9030(Le Mans 2)
From: Corporate Communications Department
Date: June 13, 1999
NISSAN LOSES FRONT RUNNER (Le Mans-2)
The Nissan R391 (car 22) has retired from this year's Le Mans 24 Hours race after a fast, front running performance which saw it climb as high as fourth place. Driver Satoshi Motoyama parked the car at the Porsche Curves after 110 laps, reporting electrical problems.
Meanwhile, the Nissan C52 (car 23), currently driven by Didier Cottaz, continues to perform strongly, running in 6th position with a fastest lap of 3m 42.641s.
Kunihiko Kakimoto, Nissan Motorsports team director said: "We are very disappointed to lose one car from our team with electrical problems. However, the Nissan R391 was an all-new car and engine and we were very encouraged that it ran so fast for the first eight hours of the race.
"In fact, the retirement came just as we were about the change our strategy because of the excellent performance of our Bridgestone tyres and the fuel economy of the car. We were planning to move up from two to three stints per driver and go for 13 laps between stops to make the Nissan R391 even more competitive. Now the team will continue its efforts with our Nissan C52."
Car 22, Nissan R391 (fastest lap 3m 39.831by Erik Comas)
The Nissan R391 had started the evening in good form. At one stage, French star Erik Comas had fought his way up to fourth overall, but then came into the pits reporting body vibration.
Erik Comas said: "I had to come into the pits because I could feel a vibration in the bodywork. I did not want to take any risks. It was very frustrating because the car was going really quickly and felt very good."
Car 21, Nissan C52 (6th, fastest lap 3m 42.641s by Marc Goossens)
Marc Goossens replaced Fredrik Ekblom and drove a mammoth 42-lap triple stint, including a fastest lap of 3m 42.641s, bringing the car up to 6th overall. He finally handed the car back to Didier Cottaz, shortly before 11.45pm.
Marc Goossens said: "I decided to carry on and do a third stint because I was lapping quickly and I felt comfortable. The tyres are excellent and giving really good grip."
Fredrik Ekblom said: "We are maintaining a good pace. Fast enough and staying reliable. It's important to keep 14 laps between stops because that's where our advantage is but the car is also performing well."
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