The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Adam’s pride at sealing second Le Mans victory
Kirkcaldy-born Aston Martin driver races into history books
“We had no issues, spent the least amount of time in the pit lane and that is what you have to do at Le Mans. JONNY ADAM
Aston Martin racer Jonny Adam has reflected on repeating the dream in a history-making performance to become a two-time winner of the world’s greatest endurance event.
The 36- year- old reacquainted himself with the top step of the Le Mans 24 Hours podium as he, Northern Irishman Charlie Eastwood and Turkish star Salih Yoluc took a sensational GTE Am category victory in the TF Sport Aston Martin Vantage on what the Kirkcaldy-born driver described as a “very special” weekend.
Not since outright victory in the 1959 edition of endurance racing’s blue riband has the iconic marque savoured such success as it swept to victory in both GTE Pro and GTE Am classes, capturing the World Endurance Championship GTE manufacturers’ crown with a round of the rejigged title race remaining.
In sharp contrast from his 2017 GTE Pro class triumph when Adam delivered a scintillating last-lap overtake to snatch victory after a race-long battle, the fourtime British GT champion watched trackside as Eastwood brought the bright red #90 machine across the line.
Moved from its traditional June berth and played out in front of the empty grandstands of a Circuit de la Sarthe traditionally packed with 250,000 fans, the pandemic nevertheless conspired to deliver a remarkable sporting serendipity as La Republique witnessed the gladiators of four wheels and two emerge victorious in their endurance endeavours – the Le Mans chequered flag falling on the same afternoon the yellow jersey of cycling’s Tour de France was pulled over the shoulders of its young Slovenian winner, Tadej Pogacar.
“It was the perfect race for us,” said an ecstatic Adam.
“Everything went to plan – we had no issues, spent the least amount of time in the pit lane and that is what you have to do at Le Mans.
“To be even selected to compete at Le Mans is an ambition for many drivers and to win once is a dream – so to now win it twice is very special.”
He hailed the dedication and determination of the customer TF Sport outfit under owner Tom Ferrier.
“This was different to being part of the factory team in 2017, TF Sport are a great customer team and I know how much they have put into even being on the grid at Le Mans, so it was amazing to be part of their success.”
Adam added: “The huge crowds are a big part of the magic of Le Mans, so it was strange to be on the podium and not have them packing the track below, but it remains an epic race like no other and a real honour to be a winner again.”
He had little time to savour the victory before heading off to be part of the Garage 59 assault in another twiceround-the-clock challenge at the mighty Nurburgring this weekend.
And he already has his sights set firmly on one final WEC season goal.
“The job now is to get the Pro Am World Championship at the final round in Bahrain. It’s a straight fight between us and Ferrari, so we will be ready for that,” said Adam.