EN
🏁 Podium Day for DUQUEINE: A Triumphant Return in ELMS and IMSA Prototype Challenge
The weekend of August 28, 2022 marked a triumphant return for DUQUEINE Automotive, with outstanding performances in two major international competitions: the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and the IMSA Prototype Challenge. After nearly two months of Summer Break, our D08s made a strong impression, claiming a podium finish in ELMS and securing top positions in IMSA.
🚗 EUROPEAN LE MANS SERIES: A Podium Finish with DKR Engineering
The ELMS made its grand return at the Barcelona Circuit, with DKR Engineering fielding the D08 #4 in the LMP3 category. With the Michelin Le Mans Cup absent, DUQUEINE Automotive was represented by this sole car. From the very first collective tests, the D08 was already at the front, showing its potential and speed.
During qualifications, the #4 secured 5th position on the starting grid in the LMP3 category. The race, which started at 11:45 am, began on a positive note for DKR Engineering, avoiding first-lap collisions and staying well-positioned in the pack.
💪 An Impressive Comeback for D08 #4
As the race progressed, the three DKR Engineering drivers completed solid stints, allowing the D08 to climb to 2nd position with just one hour left. Despite the pressure from the leader, the D08 never backed down, maintaining a strong pace. Even though the leader seemed out of reach, the #4 kept pushing and finished the race in 2nd place. This result marks DUQUEINE Automotive’s return to the podium in ELMS, a remarkable performance after a period of absence.
🏁 IMSA PROTOTYPE CHALLENGE: Exceptional Performances in IPC
Meanwhile, the IMSA Prototype Challenge returned to the Virginia International Raceway after a two-month break. Five DUQUEINE D08s were entered for this round and quickly demonstrated their potential from the free practice sessions. The #23 JDC car, driven by Memo Gidley and Alexander Koreiba, particularly stood out.
JDC #23 finished 3rd in free practice and claimed 1st in the final session, showing impressive pace. In qualifying, the #23 secured 3rd position, just ahead of JDC’s second car. Additionally, the AWA team, competing in the Bronze Cup, qualified 10th overall, a great result for the team.
🔥 A Close Battle and a Comeback to 2nd Place for JDC
On Sunday morning, the 16-car LMP3 field took off at 8:40 am. Quickly, the #23 JDC car moved into 2nd place. However, during the final Full Course Yellow restart, Koreiba was hindered by six lapped cars, losing time and having to battle for his position. Despite a slight contact with a competitor at turn 1, the D08 #23 managed to hold its position and even retook 2nd place on the last lap, a remarkable feat.
🥉 Anthony Mantella Shines in the Bronze Cup
In the Bronze Cup, Anthony Mantella (driving the #17 AWA) delivered an excellent performance. Starting 5th in class, he managed to climb to 3rd place in the Bronze Cup and finished 9th overall, an impressive effort from the team and a great display of race management.
🔝 Exceptional Results in IMSA
After the 90-minute race, DUQUEINE Automotive had 4 out of 5 cars in the Top 10, a tremendous achievement. Here are the detailed results:
2nd: JDC #23
7th: FortySeven
9th: AWA
10th: JDC #40
11th: CT Motorsport
These performances reflect the efficiency and reliability of the DUQUEINE D08 and the outstanding work of our teams in both of these high-level competitions.
