The Iron Dames were on peak form around the historic Ardennes, Spa-Francorchamps being a true favourite for fans and drivers alike. From their superb pole position taken on Friday, Sarah and the team rocketed away at the beginning of the six-hour race.
Navigating Full Course Yellows and a lengthy Safety Car section, she was able to control the race at the front of the race for a long time before handing over to Rahel. The main battle in the race was with the #59 United Autosports McLaren, and the pair took turns in the lead but Rahel made a memorable move stick around the outside of Les Combes.
Both cars had lost out in the next pitstop window to the #91 Manthey EMA Porsche, but Rahel remained undeterred. At the penultimate pitstop, Rahel handed over to Michelle and she was just beginning to find her rhythm when a red flag was brought out for a big crash down the Kemmel Straight.
The #85 magenta car was positioned in fifth at the time, but all four cars in front all owed an extra pitstop. This meant that when the race resumed, Michelle was at the front but once more the #85 found itself in a battle with the #59 which the magenta car came out on top of.
However, there was once more heartbreak for the Iron Dames as a problem during the pitstop at the end of the race dropped them down the order. Despite their determination, there was not enough time to regain the lost ground and the crew had to settle for a heartbreaking fourth at the flag, which became fifth after a post-race penalty.
Increasingly fast and confident in the Lamborghini and with the support of Doriane Pin, the Iron Dames are now eagerly awaiting the 24 Hours of Le Mans, that is up next in June. They’ll be determined to reclaim the podium that eluded them in the Ardennes and last year in the Sarthe, where they led magnificently for most of the race. By Melissa Warren
