Le Mans '91: Herbert's amazing win
The 1991 Le Mans 24 Hours is remembered as one of the most dramatic races in the event's long and illustrious history. Adam Cooper looks back on an unlikely Mazda triumph 20 years ago with the help of race-winner Johnny Herbert
The 1991 Le Mans 24 Hours was supposed to be about Mercedes, Jaguar, Peugeot and Porsche, but instead victory went to a manufacturer that for years had been just a bit player at La Sarthe. Others have spent a lot of money trying, but 20 years on, Mazda remains the only Japanese marque to have won the race.
A tweak to the rules that year certainly helped, but the rest was down to a well-organised team, a faultless performance and a great effort from three Formula 1 drivers who all had a point to prove.
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