Cadillac at Le Mans: Test day provides direction

Three Cadillac V-Series.R racecars combine for 157 laps in the first time on circuit
LE MANS, France (June 4, 2023) – For the first time in 17 weeks – and the first time ever outside the U.S. — the three Cadillac Racing V-Series.R racecars were rolling together on the same racecourse.
The Circuit de la Sarthe is the scene and the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the backdrop.
The Nos. 2 and 3 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R and No. 311 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R participated in Sunday’s test sessions totaling six hours. They combined for 157 laps without incident or down time on the 8.47-mile (13.629 kilometers) circuit.
By its name, test day provides the opportunity for manufacturers in the 16-entry Hypercar field to get a set-up baseline in preparation for qualifying practice June 7. The top eight cars in the 60-minute session advanced to Hyperpole qualifications June 8.
“We are excited to have this test day to take advantage of as much on-track as possible to gather real-world data with these new cars because no one can test on the circuit until they come to the Le Mans event,” GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser said. “We have each of the three cars on different test plans so that we can maximize the amount of information that we can gather for the program. It also gives the opportunity to test all the equipment that runs behind the scenes.
“Cadillac races as one team. Team members of all three cars are working to support each other, and that is how we’re able to divide and conquer three separate test plans, analyze the information and come back as one unit and select the best choices for everyone for the race.” 
Eight of the nine drivers saw seat time. Scott Dixon, who was competing in the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, will join No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R teammates Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande for free practice June 7.
Most recently, the three Cadillac V-Series.Rs were together on the same racetrack for the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in late January. The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R then began its full-time FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar schedule, while the two other new-for-2023 Cadillacs continued with their IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship calendar.
The centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans has reunited the teams for Cadillac Racing’s return after a 21-year absence.
Earl Bamber, No. 2 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R: “There was lots of learning across all three cars and Cadillac Racing. I thought we got through the test items really well and now it’s a matter of combining all the information that we have learned from the 311, the 3 and the 2 and see what we can bring later this week. The competition is tight and looks strong. We have some homework and hopefully we’ll be right up there.” 
Sebastien Bourdais, No. 3 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R: “Every car was on a different platform and trying different things, evaluating tires. I think we got a decent amount of data and references to get an idea of where we’re going with this new Cadillac. We have a lot of data to go through and try to understand what exactly works and does not and how we can improve. And from there we’ll probably chase lap times more. Honestly, I feel like the balance of the car is good, so it’s been a good start.”  Pipo Derani, No. 311 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R: “It’s great that we had the test day with the new car and the first time with the team here as well. There is a lot to learn. I think it was a positive first day. We were able to get through some of the things that were unknown to us as a team and in the end we came out with a lot of information. So, it’s a good start for our Le Mans program.”