A few hours after the end of the qualifying sessions for the 4 Hours of Monza tomorrow, several decisions of the race stewards have seriously affected the grid for tomorrow's race.
TDS Racing who were fastest in LMP2 with Matthieu Vaxiviere at the wheel have lost their pole position for tomorrow's race due to the car not being in compliance to the technical regulations. This means the #21 Dragonspeed Oreca of Ben Hanley, Henrik Hedman and Nicolas Lapierre inherits pole position. Apparently there was tape on the bodywork which is not allowed. All qualifying times of the car have been cancelled. The #33 will start the race from the back of the LMP2 grid.
The #31 APR - Rebellion which qualified third also saw its qualifying times cancelled due to the height of the front splitter not in compliance with the technical regulation. This car will also start from the back of the LMP2 grid tomorrow.
Same story for the #9 AT Racing Ligier in LMP3, that also saw his qualifying times cancelled due to the height of the front splitter. They will have to start from the back of the grid tomorrow. Mikkel Jensen qualified on third place, which now will be taken by the #2 United Autosports of John Falb and Sean Rayhall.
James Swift in the #6 360 RACING Ligier JS P3 has been denied to start the race tomorrow. Swift didn't comply with the minimum of qualifying laptimes (110% of the best time set by the fastest time in the group). Terrence Woodward and Ross Kaiser will have to complete the race with the two of them and Kaiser has to be the starting driver.
It's not all bad news that came from the stewards: the #66 JMW Ferrari have been given permission to race tomorrow, despite not taking part in qualifying.
Text: Kristof Vermeulen
Pictures: JellyBaby.Media