Shane Van Gisbergen has finally set his first laps around Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France.
Racing for the American-based Riley Motorsports team, the kiwi driver placed fifth in class and 37th overall after Sunday’s free practice sessions alongside British driver Sam Bird and Brazilian driver Felipe Fraga.
However, this isn’t Van Gisbergen’s first run-in with the world renown race. Back in 2020, he was set to race Eurasia Motorsport’s LMP2 entry but border restrictions due to COVID-19 rendered the drive impossible.
This year, the Supercars points leader is piloting Riley Motorsport’s Ferrari 488 GTE Evo – his first time contesting in a GTE car.
After setting 12 laps in free practice one, the New Zealand driver’s fastest time was 3:55.940. Free practice two saw Van Gisbergen shave half a second off that time achieving 3:55.484 after 11 laps.
Bird recorded a 3:55.474 lap in free practice one, and his fastest time of 3:54.437 in the second practice session. Fraga matched Bird’s time in the first practice session and set a time of 3:55.150 in free practice two.
Van Gisbergen will join an iconic list of New Zealand drivers who have raced at Le Mans including the likes of Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon, Brendon Hartley, and Earl Bamber.
Be sure to look out for the #74 Riley Motorsport Ferrari 488 GTE Evo during this weekend’s (June 11-12) 24 Hours of Le Mans race.