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Le Mans, June 16th 2002, 4.00pm. Team Bentley has again proved its
class and pace at the Le Mans 24-hours, coming home fourth overall
and second only to the works Audi R8s. The result is testament to
the design of the Bentley EXP Speed 8, the calibre of the drivers
and the dedication and professionalism of the pit-crew. Moreover it
vindicates the strategy of using this as a development year and
entering just one car with a brand new Bentley engine.
Those who had read too much into the qualifying times gave Bentley
little hope of achieving such a result but, within the team, there
was always confidence that the 11th place on the grid reflected only
the fact that the team chose to use neither qualifying engines or
tyres.
This result has not only been a fine one for the team, it has also
provided both the encouragement and the raw data to kick-start the
programme that will see Team Bentley return to Le Mans in force next
year, all efforts focussed on the top step of the podium.
Franz-Josef Paefgen, chairman and chief executive, Bentley Motors:
“This is a fine result and all the more impressive that it was
managed with just one car. The new Bentley engine has proved itself
beyond doubt and the team have performed wonderfully. It is to be
remembered that this is the second of a three year programme to win
the race, and with the improvements we know we can make, it is fair
to say we will be in good shape to achieve our goal of outright
victory next year.”
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