TDS Driver Prohibited from Competing in Race by Stewards

Image: Eurosport

Philippe Cimadomo has been prohibited from competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans by race stewards, casting doubt into TDS x Vaillante Racing’s LMP2 entry for the French endurance classic.

The 62-year-old Bronze-rated driver, who was involved in multiple incidents over race week, has been deemed not eligible to race “for the safety of himself and other competitors” according to a stewards’ decision.

Cimadomo was reported to the stewards after causing an accident in Wednesday’s Free Practice 1 and nearly causing an additional accident at pit entry later in the session.

It was followed by a massive accident in Thursday’s FP3, where he lost control of his No. 13 Oreca 07 Gibson at the Porsche Curves that brought out a red flag.

After receiving a report from the race director, the stewards summoned Cimadomo and the team manager to race control, while also heard from the FIA-appointed driver advisor to the stewards, Yannick Dalmas.

The stewards’ decision read: “Further, the observation and opinion of the driver advisor is that the driver is not driving to the standard required to safely participate in the remainder of the event, especially in consideration of the specificity of the Le Mans circuit and competition, and the specifics of an LMP2 car in this specific situation.

“The driver explained to the stewards that he has competed in LMP2 cars previously in ELMS without incident, and the incidents during FP1 and FP3 represented momentary lapses.

“Further, he stated that he felt that he had gained experience throughout the practice sessions and felt more confident in his capacity to compete. However, the stewards have concluded that a pattern exists that cannot be ignored at this time.”

No word has been given if the French squad will seek a replacement driver to keep the entry in the race. The car sustained tub damage in Cimadomo’s third accident and would need to be replaced with a new chassis.

Cimadomo was due to share driving duties with Mathias Beche and Silver-rated Tijmen van der Helm, who could fulfill the amateur requirement in the lineup but would be moved from the Pro-Am subclass. 

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John