Masson Drives Forestier Racing to Win in 4 Hours of Imola
A decisive final stint from Esteban Masson converted pole into a commanding victory that tightens the ELMS title fight.
Overview
- Forestier Racing by Panis won the 4 Hours of Imola after Esteban Masson pulled away in a final stint to finish about 52 seconds clear of the nearest LMP2 rival.
- Masson secured pole in qualifying with a 1:30.866, edging Ian Aguilera by 0.032 seconds in a LMP2 session where the top six were separated by just 0.362 seconds on Saturday.
- Masson had also topped Free Practice 2 with a 1:31.991 before that session was stopped early when Rene Binder and Nick Adcock tangled at Tosa.
- Louis Iglesias grabbed LMP3 pole on his ELMS debut with a 1:38.367 and went on to win LMP3, while Blake McDonald took LMGT3 pole with a 1:42.339 and TF Sport converted that pace into a class victory.
- Race control and paddock notes included Gwenn Bourcier standing in as race director, Nielsen Racing reporting minor lightning damage to its truck with no injuries, and Masson’s strong weekend and the pole bonus narrowing the championship gap and drawing further Toyota interest.