Richard Lietz driving a GT Porsche within the Le Mans 24 Hours has develop into an actual fixture of the race over the previous twenty years however, previous to choosing up a second LMGT3 class win in succession final weekend, the Austrian had feared his racing days have been over.
With the introduction of the brand new LMGT3 class within the World Endurance Championship, Lietz felt there might be a altering of the guard in 2024. He had simply turned 40 and, regardless of already having 4 class wins at Le Mans below his belt, was satisfied he wouldn’t be including to his spectacular report across the Circuit de la Sarthe.
“Effectively, to be trustworthy, final 12 months was a loopy one as a result of I used to be principally able to cease driving,” Lietz instructed Motorsport.com. “After which, Manthey mechanics really referred to as me and requested me if I wished to drive for them.
“I used to be like, ‘What do you imply? In WEC?’ After which one other mechanic referred to as me and one other mechanic and an engineer, after which the bosses referred to as me. At one level I used to be like, ‘OK, possibly they’re severe’.”
They have been certainly severe and Lietz was capable of register a fifth Le Mans triumph in a Manthey Porsche 911 GT3-R alongside Morris Schuring and Yasser Shahin.
#92 Manthey 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3 R LMGT3: Ryan Hardwick, Riccardo Pera, Richard Lietz
Photograph by: Rainier Ehrhardt
But his victory 12 months later alongside Riccardo Pera and Ryan Hardwick was much more dominant, particularly as soon as the WRT BMW M4 GT3 of Kelvin van der Linde, Ahmad Al Harthy and Valentino Rossi retired with digital woes.
“If you happen to get actually shocked it is like a Christmas current, now we achieved what we wished,” Lietz mentioned when evaluating the 2 wins. “This 12 months was a bit extra ready from final 12 months. Having my first back-to-back wins at Le Mans is one thing particular and a very nice feeling.”
Lietz mentioned the spectacular consistency of Hardwick and the Porsche being kinder on its tyres have been key elements on this newest success.
“I feel it was the stint efficiency we might do with the tyres over three stints,” he defined. “We had not a lot drop and I feel the upper temperature helped us a bit attaining this in a greater manner than the opposite vehicles.
“Ryan did incredible, not so many yellows, no security automobile – prefer it was up to now, a Le Mans spirit endurance race!”
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However even after taking his Le Mans class win tally to 6 victories from 19 begins, and now main the WEC LMGT3 factors desk, Lietz admitted he’s as soon as once more not sure what the long run holds.
“To be trustworthy my contract ends, I am 41 years outdated and there is a number of younger individuals on the market who need my job,” he mentioned. “It relies on Porsche – it isn’t my resolution if I am right here subsequent 12 months.
“If I am not driving, I shall be right here as a spectator, or bringing the drink bottle to some driver, or being part of a crew as a result of Le Mans is a pleasant place, it is like coming dwelling.”
Pictures from 24 Hours of Le Mans – Race
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