For those unaware, the qualifying session for the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race recently took place. This annual race has taken place each year in Le Mans, France since 1923 and is well known throughout the world. Unfortunately there will be one less Corvette in the field for this weekend’s race as the number 63, C7.R driven by Jan Magnussen crashed out this morning in qualifying.
As shown in the video above, there was undoubtedly a mechanical failure as the car simply did not complete the turn. As you can see from the alternate, more head-on shot, there is a trail of smoke as the car runs straight through the corner and subsequently taps two walls.
There are current reports stating that their was a piece of debris stuck in the throttle linkage, resulting in a stuck-open throttle. However, some are saying that they can hear the driver downshift the car entering the corner which would say otherwise. Either way it is an unfortunate incident as the number 63 will no longer be competing in the GTE Pro class. Driving responsibilities were to be shared amongst Antonio Garcia and Ryan Briscoe. This would have been Magnussen’s 17th Le Mans start.
Fortunatley, it’s been reported that Magnussen is alright and is only suffering from disappointment. We wish the team luck and are glad to know everyone is in good health.