Toyota on Top? Le Mans 2018 Predictions
Everyone’s got their picks for who will take the glory at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, and I’m no exception. Read on for my predictions for the 2018 edition.
LMP1
Let’s face it. Everyone is going to say Fernando Alonso in the #8 Toyota. It’ll make the headlines, bring in readers and make the Spanish fans go crazy – not to mention we all want the Japanese firm to finally take the win. But I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the #1 Rebellion will take the top step. Lotterer, Jani and Senna are a formidable driving force and should there be any issues for the two Toyotas, I think they’ll be there snapping at their heels. Plus, that would be a far more interesting story to write, despite my love for Toyota!
LMP2
I’m torn between two teams here, interestingly, both from ELMS. Both the #26 G-Drive Racing team and the #48 IDEC Sport entry have looked solid so far. But given Jean-Eric Vergne’s current driving form, the tenacity of Roman Rusinov and the skill of Andrea Pizzitola, I’m inclined to say that the Russian outfit might just have the edge.
GTE Pro
It would be naïve of me to not suggest a Porsche here, given their recent run of performance, so I’ll suggest that either the #91 or #92 Porsche will come out on top in this class. That said, Ford have proven to be their closest rivals, so I’m expecting a podium from at least one of the four Fords, providing they can keep the car on the track – I’m looking at you guys in the #67!
GTE Am
Much the same as GTE Pro, I think Porsche are the cars to beat here. The Dempsey Proton cars have looked terrific with both the #77 and #88 setting the pace across the week. The Gulf Racing Porsche has also looked very strong, until a meeting with a gravel trap. I believe it will be a Porsche lockout on the podium, let’s say the #77 Dempsey-Proton, followed by the #86 Gulf Racing and the #88 Dempsey-Proton.
This article was originally published on Overtake Motorsport as part of a larger piece.
Shared with permission from the author.
Cover Image: Toyota Gazoo Racing
