Sebastien Bourdais launches stinging attack on race control officials at 24 Hours of Le Mans after pit stop confusion

Sebastien Bourdais launched a stinging attack on race control after a moment of confusion cost him dearly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Bourdais was unsure as to whether he could take a pit stop after an unfortunately timed full course yellow left the pits closed.

However, it appeared Bourdais’ #38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA car needed to stop for emergency fuel.

The timing of the full course yellow meant the Frenchman could not make up his mind over what to do, but he eventually cut across the grass to rejoin the pit entry lane.

He was eventually judged to have committed to the pit lane, meaning the car was forced to complete a full pit stop, much to Bourdais’ frustration.

“They closed the pits right when I’m committing,” he said.

“So the team did not have any time to tell me yes, no or maybe.

“Race control are really comfortable at their desk over there.

“It’s so easy, they press the buttons, like yes, procedures, perfect.

“They forget that there are guys behind the wheels, and they are the first ones to say that we have no idea what we are doing.

“They still penalise us for stuff like that.

“So yeah, I find it extremely unfair, but it is what it is.

“It’s too bad because we were making good headway, and then they kill you.”

The TNT Sports commentary team were left baffled by Bourdais’ bad luck.

“The FCY has been called, so the pits are closed,” said one commentator.

“He is trying to make a decision on the way into the pit lane there, as to whether they are allowed to pit or not.

“So there are a couple of considerations.

“It’s Bourdais on the way in there, has he committed to the pit lane, will he get a penalty for leaving the pit lane? And then secondarily, will he get a penalty for the full course yellow being out before he has crossed the safety car line, which is the pit commit limit?

“It will be interesting to see what they decide to do. Bourdais is committed to the pit lane, they have called him in, and then they have thrown a full course yellow.

“The team are not sure and Bourdais is not sure if he has made it in or he hasn’t made it in before the full course yellow has been called.

The full course yellow was called to clear debris at the Indianapolis corner.