Honda riders made a clean sweep of race victories at the Isle of Man TT, while Audi took a record fourth full podium the Le Mans 24 Hours in France.
Ian Hutchinson on the way to victory Image: Honda |
Star of the Honda team was Ian Hutchison, who became the first rider to win five races on the iconic Isle of Man road circuit during the Tourist Trophy (TT) fortnight. Ridng a Honda Fireblade and CBR600RR, UK-born Hutchinson became the first man to seal five victories in the event's 103 year history.
Honda's other victories, on one of the most dangerous but spectacular road racing circuits in the world, came in two sidecar races, while Jenny Tinmouth set a new lap record for a female rider to take the top step of the podium in her race.
The all-Audi Le Mans podium Image: Audi |
Meanwhile, the podium at Le Mans was crammed with Audi drivers as the German manufacturer took a record fourth 1-2-3 victory at the legendary 24-hour endurance race. The victory equals Ferrari's record and is only eclipsed in overall wins by Porsche. Even more impressive was the fact that all three Audis were fitted with R15TDI V10 diesel engines.
It was the diesel's reliability which triumphed in the gruelling event for both cars and drivers, after the Peugeot cars all retired having secured the top four starting places on the grid. Standing at the top of the podium were Germany's Timo Bernhard and Mike Rockenfeller with French team-mate Romain Dumas.