Today, however, this small, privately run team, based in Banbury, England, took the fight to the might of the US automotive industry from the start to the finish of the world’s most testing endurance sportscar race, and provided the first victory for a GT Ferrari since 1974, proving themselves tenfold in the process. 

The Veloqx Prodrive team led the GTS timesheets for the entire race and Jamie Davies, Tomas Enge and Peter Kox achieved a popular and rousing victory – crossing the finish line at 4pm with ten laps in hand over the Corvette of Gavin, Pilgrim and Collins.

As tension rose in the pits towards the end of the race, feelings of excitement or expectation were tempered by the knowledge that both the Veloqx Prodrive Ferrari 550s would not be taking the chequered flag. The no.80 car of Kelvin Burt, Anthony Davidson and Darren Turner suffered a right front wheel bearing failure at 4:20am, with Davidson at the wheel. He was bruised and shocked and was taken to Le Mans’ central hospital for further examination and a brain scan. He returned to the circuit during the afternoon, and was able to enjoy the success with the entire team.

Kelvin Burt (GB), car nr.80: “It’s the sort of thing that happens at Le Mans, unfortunately. You put so much work in, nearly get all the way through the night and then something like this happens. Before the accident we were going really well and could have made up the time we lost at the beginning but stuff happens and you can’t do anything about it.”

Anthony Davidson (GB), car no.80:  “I’m really happy that the team achieved their goal of winning, albeit in the other car. It would have been great to have a one-two, but it only takes a small problem to occur to put you out of the race for good. I’m glad I’m okay and I think the team did a great job all week and it’s a shame we couldn’t finish as we thoroughly deserved it.”

Jamie Davies (GB), nr.88:  “I think the best memory I will take away with me today will be the podium, standing there and seeing everyone below and all around us enjoying it as much as we were. We have a fantastic team, a really fast car which ran beautifully all day and did it all at the home of the most famous sportscar race in the world. What more can you want?”

Tomas Enge (CZ), car nr. 88: “I wanted to take everything this weekend, but Peter stopped me when he got the GTS fastest lap this morning!  But starting from the pole and leading the class all the way through the race is more than I could have dreamed of. After last year’s race, which was very disappointing for us, we have worked very hard on reliability, doing many, many tests, and this has paid us today.”

Peter Kox (NL), car nr.88: “It’s been a fantastic day, and I can’t quite believe it at the moment. The car ran perfectly all day, the gearbox was fantastic and we didn’t have any problems with our pit stops.  Perhaps we were a bit lucky that the Corvettes had more problems than usual, as we weren’t challenged on the track as hard as we might have been, but that shouldn’t take away from our victory which is really deserved by the whole team.” 

Darren Turner (GB), car nr.80: “Obviously we are all really disappointed with the way it turned out for us, but are pleased that Anthony is okay. Like him, I’m disappointed for everyone who’s put so much work into it.  It’s a shame we only got half way through, and didn’t manage to run to the end as we were in second place at the time.  In the end though, it only matters that Anthony is alright – we can come back next year!

FREDERIC DOR ( CARE )

“This is the high point of a three-year project, a win at Le Mans, and I thank all the drivers [Burt, Davidson, Davies, Enge, Kox, Turner] and the team members – each of them played their own part in this success.  On a personal note, it was my childhood dream to one day drive at Le Mans and to do this in the same year as seeing one of my cars winning in GTS, beating a big factory team, is truly fantastic.”

SAM LI ( VELOQX MOTORSPORT )

“I’m absolutely delighted!  From Veloqx’s perspective, our joint venture agreement paid dividends.  We came to Le Mans with the foundations in place for nothing less than victory.  The combination of talent and experience in Veloqx Prodrive Racing was self-evident and all parties demonstrated their commitment to the project from day one.  We had six of the most talented drivers in our cars and to see Jamie, Tomas and Peter on the top step of the podium on Sunday was an emotional moment.  I must also congratulate the team who worked tirelessly over the weekend.  They all have my sincere admiration and gratitude for playing their part in this magnificent achievement.”

GEORGE HOWARD-CHAPPELL ( TEAM MANAGER, VELOQX PRODRIVE RACING )

“We said last year that we felt we’d left Le Mans with the job only half done, and I am so delighted that we’ve finished it off this year.  It was a really great achievement and I want to thank each and every Veloqx Prodrive team member for all the hard work, dedication and commitment they showed not only this week but also in the preparation stages.   Everyone performed magnificently and this undoubtedly contributed to our success.

I’m also really pleased that Anthony is okay and has suffered no adverse effects after the accident.  Seeing him lying down near the car was a very worrying moment for us all.”