Highcroft knew Strakka would shine

The American Le Mans Series frontrunning team eventually finished fourth in class and 25th overall, 71 laps off the lead, after limiting its running in the closing stage to ensure it made the flag.

"We went out at the end to get classified, but at about 10:00 this morning we had a water pressure issue, and we don't know exactly what it is yet, but it is a shame because while the Strakka guys were a couple of laps up I think we had just gone up to one lap behind when it went," explained Franchitti. "It was frustrating because the car really seemed to come into its own this morning.

"I don't know whether we could have beaten them. I don't know how hard they were pushing but this morning the track really seemed to come to us.

"A lot of people seemed to underestimate Strakka coming in, but I never did, they are a quality outfit and they proved that again here. But for us we learned a lot and we will be back."

Franchitti added that despite the result Highcroft had made a good account of itself and gathered a lot of useful data before it returns in the future.

"Everything the team could control they did fantastically," he said. "Coming to Le Mans it's a race on its own and it is nothing like anything else so we have learned a lot as a team.

"We have gained some knowledge of this new aero package, so we now have to decide whether to introduce that into the ALMS.

"It's just been a huge learning experience for the whole team. The rules are subtly different and it is easy to get caught out but we never put a foot wrong. As drivers we had no contact, no problems, and aside from our punctures and water pressure issue it was a perfect race."