Disqualification of Rebellion Vaillante #13, which loses its podium position
Even after the race was over, the 24 Hours of Le Mans was still creating a sensation: the #13 Rebellion Vaillante, which finished third overall, was disqualified for body modification. Jackie Chan's team therefore placed both its cars on the podium!
The 2017 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was the scene of incredible twists and turns, from the retirement of the Toyota #7 due to an incredible set of circumstances to the retirement of the Porsche #1 in the lead with a 13-lap advantage.
It was already incredible to see two LMP1s on the overall podium. However, technical inspections revealed an irregularity on the Rebellion Vaillante car, leading to its exclusion. Indeed, the mechanics were criticized for drilling a hole in the rear right of the car belonging to Nelson Piquet Jr, Mathias Beche, and David Heinemeier Hansson. This allowed them to press the faulty starter after each pit stop rather than wasting time replacing the rear of the car.
The technical regulations are very clear: it is forbidden to modify the bodywork elements that are homologated. Consequently, the car, which had finished third overall and second in LMP2, was disqualified.
As always, one person’s misfortune is another’s happiness. Following this disqualification, it is the Jackie Chan DC Racing #37 of David Cheng, Tristan Gommendy, and Alex Brundle that now takes this third place in the overall standings. The Chinese team thus achieves the feat of placing both of its cars on the podium in the overall rankings and scoring a one-two finish in LMP2.
The Alpine #35 of Pierre Ragues, Nelson Panciatici, and André Negrao, having made a mistake in the final hour, thus regains a spot on the LMP2 podium.
