Larbre Competition landed its first pole position in the team’s history at the 6 Hours of Fuji over the weekend, however they were stripped of the starting spot after their Corvette C7.R failed post-qualifying scrutineering checks. Despite the turn of events, the French Corvette Racing partner was able to pull out a solid fourth place finish on the FIA WEC’s LM GTE Am Class.
According to Sportscar365, Larbre’s C7.R was found to have an illegal fuel cell ventilation valve. The part is standard on the IMSA-approved C7.R, however the FIA-approved fuel cell ventilation valve is different and thus Larbre’s C7.R was deemed illegal. Larbre’s C7.R was lent out to Corvette Racing earlier in the year after they crashed one of the three C7.Rs in existence at Le Mans, though it’s believed the illegal fuel cell valve has been on Larbre’s car all year.
The team was forced to start from the back of the LM GTE Am field. After the start of the race was delayed due to heavy rain, Larbre driver Paolo Ruberti was able to make up two positions to move into fifth, where they stayed for the majority of the race’s duration. With just one hour left, Nicolai Sylvest gained one more spot to bring the C7.R home in fourth.
The next round of the FIA WEC will be the 6 Hours of Shanghai on November 1st. Click here for full results from the 6 Hours of Fuji, and here for additional information on the 6 Hours of Shanghai.
Photo by Vision Sport Agency for Larbre Competition
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