RML gutted by retirement

The team was targeting a third-straight LMP2 victory with their No. 2 MG Lola EX264, but they suffered a major setback when Andy Wallace crashed heavily at the Porsche Curves during his first stint.

Not only did the team have to repair the car, but their remaining drivers Mike Newton and Tommy Erdos both had to triple-stint during the night to allow Wallace a chance to recover from the shunt.

Their efforts dragged the car from last up to second in the LMP2 class, and Erdos set the team's fastest lap of the race shortly before the engine let go along the Mulsanne.

"The car was running so well," rued Newton. "Our main challenge had been to see how best to manage the driving stints.

"Tommy and I shared the last 12 hours, and would have continued to do so through to the finish, if that had been necessary."

Wallace suffered bruising and minor concussion, but had been given the option of returning to the cockpit later in the day if he felt well enough.