“Sebring’s layout alone makes it a unique venue, while the frequent safety-car interventions had a big influence on the way this year’s race unfolded. There is little chance that the surprising outcome can be taken as a realistic pointer to the rest of the ILMC.

“The race was ultimately won by a privately-run 2010-spec Peugeot 908 ahead of a petrol-engined Honda, which in turn crossed the line ahead of a factory diesel Peugeot and two Audis. Anyone who gambled on that top-five will no doubt be happily counting their winnings today…

“The two works teams ran opposing strategies, with Audi postponing the debut of its new R18 until a later date in order to conceal its hand, while Peugeot took the decision to give the new 908 its maiden run at Sebring as part of its preparations for Le Mans. Sarrazin’s pole position provided a glimpse of the new French car’s potential and, had it not been for two big mistakes by its drivers, it would probably have won its maiden race. In any case, the 908 is clearly fast and reliable. Audi saw its chances of victory vanish when one of its cars tangled with a Peugeot.

“The problems encountered by the factory teams allowed Oreca and Honda to emerge at the front, and they pounced on the chance. Despite boasting 150 less horsepower, Oreca’s 908 was totally reliable and the team didn’t make a single mistake. They deserved to win.

The Honda, meanwhile, was previously one of the front-runners in the LMP2 class and it showed that it is a competitive package in LMP1, too. Highcroft Racing was on home soil at Sebring, however, and I am not sure whether they will be in such a favourable position at Le Mans.

“The next round of the ILMC will be at Spa, Belgium. Before then, though, the 2011 Le Mans Series will kick off at Le Castellet, France, where my own team will try to recover the place it should never have abandoned.”

Henri Pescarolo

Henri Pescarolo, Sebring