Le Mans, (France), September 26, 2011 – Pirelli and the KAWASAKI-SRC racing teams’ Diablo Superbike SC equipped #11 bike won the 34th edition of the 24 hours of Le Mans this past weekend in a fast and very spectacular race.
Qualifying third on the grid, Julien Da Costa made an exceptional running start and was in first position after the first curve. It was the beginning of a memorable 24 hour fight for the victory between the Kawasaki and the Suzuki-SERT #1 bike ridden by Delhalle, Sakai and Guittet. Sunday morning at 10:40 am, the dueling motorcycles were still lapping within the same minute but the Suzuki was forced to pit once more for a technical problem and lost one lap. This was the turning point of the race and from then on the Pirelli-shod machine remained in the lead through the checkered flag.
After incredible suspense, the KAWASAKI-SRC won this historical 34th edition, taking home with them a new record for this endurance race, covering 834 laps (or 3490.29 km) in the 24-hour period.
Additionally, it is the first time history that the same team has won the 24 hours of Le Mans twice in a row with the same riders and the same tire manufacturer.
24 hours of Le Mans 2011
1. Da Costa/Leblanc/Four (Kawasaki-SRC) 834 laps or 3490.29km
2. Delhalle/Sakai/Guittet (Suzuki-SERT) 833 laps
3. Jerman/Martin/Baz (Yamaha-Monster-Yart) 826 laps
4. Saiger/Stamm/Tangre (Kawasaki-Bolliger Team Switzerland) 823 laps
5. Mc Guinness/Amor/Donald (Honda-Honda TT Legends) 819 laps
