Problems thwart Morgan

The distinctive Aero 8, one of two official British manufacturer entries (the other being the prototype Lister Storm) in this year's event, clearly suffers an aerodynamic disadvantage to its competitors and set a best time of 4m30.355s, to qualify 47th overall. But Cunningham reckons that what it lacks in sleek, the Aero 8 makes up for in grunt and is capable of lapping the 13.6km in a far more competitive 4m20s time.

"We really need it to stay dry for the second qualifying session," he said. "We had so many problems that cost us valuable track time. Of course all our drivers had to complete the obligatory three laps and there wasn't enough time to sort out the car before we came to Le Mans.

"We had problems with a wheel bearing, the brakes and a differential leak. To be honest I set our fastest time just cruising so I know there is a lot more in the bag."

The team expects the Aero 8 to be reliable in the race, and this coupled with good fuel ecomony, will hold the team in good stead reckons Cunningham. "I think once we get running properly in the race things will fall into perspective," he said. "I think we will have to make less fuel stops than some of the others and that will helps us."

This is also Cunningham's Le Mans debut and its significance not lost on him. "When I was on the Mulsanne straight I did think to myself 'I'm actually at Le Mans!' It's a fantastic event. The thing for me that is interesting is the new driving style you have to adopt. I'm used to lapping people, not being lapped myself, and the key is to allow people through without losing time. There is an art to it.

"We have actually had to raise the rear wing, because it was blocking the view through the rear view mirror! You would be amazed how much you need your mirrors here because those LMPs just come out of nowhere. It's incredible actually, when they come past you, you can actually feel the turbulence coming off their cars!"