The Saleen demonstrated being still a very competitive machine in the right hands and the development work put by Oreca was just what the car needed to be at the top of its game in the LMS. Both the Corvettes and Aston Martins were competitive indeed but the Oreca Saleen had the edge that brought them the crown.

It all started at Monza where the Luc Alphand team had to endure the most dramatic moment of the season with a huge pit fire engulfing two mechanics and tainting the atmosphere until their C6R car collected what would be their only victory of the season. The French team was solid the whole season through and also had the addition of Oliver Gavin at Silverstone and Interlagos, pre-announcing a very strong 2008 assault with even more support from the works conglomerate. 2 podiums for the lead car after Monza and two for the C5R in a good performance by the "Old Lady", winner of the 2004 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Larbre was also the other title contender, 4 podiums for number 50 and the Interlagos victory in a 2-car race for number 51 were a good performance but still lacking in terms of the final bit needed for the top of the class. Nevertheless the French ensemble was regular and consistent, their move to Saleens next year can prove right if they keep their excellent driver array and develop the car further.

Team Modena had an irregular year, changing drivers from Liz Halliday to Christian Fittipaldi at Valencia in an unclear situation that will now be defined at court. Silverstone saw them collect a hard earned second place (could have been a victory) which was rewarding to Antonio García and (partner for the occasion) Darrren Turner. We feel Modena could have done better since they have top elements in all areas, will 2008 see them winning races?.

The revelation of the year was certainly Racing Box. After a meager start at Monza the Italian team was competitive and often in the pace with Oreca, Spa comes into mind as a very strong race until mechanical issues took them out. An encouraging season, good drives and rumours of a change to LMP2.

A final word for the Oreca drivers. Stéphane Ortelli is clearly a top driver, successful in almost all of the classes he has undertaken and GT1 in the LMS has been no exception. In the case of Soheil Ayari, after his tumultuous 2005 Le Mans crashing the Pescarolo, this year was a fantastic comeback. Impeccable driving, often qualifying the car and pushing hard to recover time when it was needed, Ayari is certainly entering a new stage of his career where he is unleashing all of his potential. The new Oreca-Courage project might see him back on a prototype and partnered with Olivier Panis and Ortelli it can lead to very good results.

In 2008 this will still be the least populated class, let’s just hope it remains as entertaining with all teams committed to go for the top