Morgan causes a stir in qualifying

Engine difficulties dogged the team during pre-qualifying testing weekend in May, and many expected the car to struggle to qualify. Since then, the team has been dedicated to development work, particularly on the BMW engine.

"It's been a real roller-coaster over the last few days," said a team spokesman. "We had a difficult day on Wednesday, it was a struggle to get a representative time. When the lap came up it was incredible. It was a little bit more than even we expected after our problems."

Situated in the pit adjacent to Audi, Morgan are eager to justify their place among the elite and register a finish to prove the doubters wrong.

"We've had a series of benchmarks to achieve. First to get the car up and running, then get to Le Mans and qualify so now we are looking to finish the race," he added.

Salisbury Racesport's achievement is all the more impressive given that the decision to come to Le Mans was only made in February. The one thing they are not lacking is support, the grandstand opposite their pit erupting when the Hay returned from his qualifying run.

A respectable finish in this weekend's race could be the perfect platform for more success next season after four decades away from Le Mans.