Vandoorne eager to return to Le Mans after podium finish

©Twitter

Stoffel Vandoorne was delighted with his first experience at Le Mans, the former McLaren driver expressing a keen interest in returning to the endurance classic in the future with the aim of winning.

Vandoorne and SMP Racing team mates Vitaly Petrov and Mikhail Aleshin enjoyed a virtually trouble-free 24 hours in the Sarthe, bringing home there BR Engineering BR-1 in third place, or ‘best of the rest’ behind the unassailable Toyota two-car squad.

Le Mans: Alonso, Buemi and Nakajima make it two in a row for Toyota!

“The first experience was fantastic,” said the Belgian.

“It was very exciting between us and the Rebellions, I think they were slightly faster even at certain points. But we were able to make a difference when it was needed.”

The #11 SMP Racing entry finished 6 laps down on the winning Toyota steered by Vandoorne’s former McLaren team mate Fernando Alonso along with Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima, but it also outpaced by three laps its closest rival, the Rebellion of Bruno Senna and former Le Mans winners André Lotterer ad Neel Jani.

“Our main goal was to stay out of trouble and not make mistakes. I think we did that too. It was a very difficult race, but we had a good pace and some nice duels on the circuit,” added Vandoorne.

The 27-year-old will no doubt return to the endurance classic in the future, and hopefully onboard a car that can potentially win.

“I am very happy with my first time at Le Mans. I want to thank Boris Rotenberg and SMP for finally participating in the WEC.

“The engineers, engineers and Vitaly and Mikhail have warmly welcomed me within the team.

“I would like to come back and try to win.”

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.