Le Mans 24 Hours - Friday Happenings 3

Stephane Ortelli

Martin Little bumped into Courage Oreca's Stephane Ortelli this afternoon making a very welcome return to the paddock after his huge accident during the Monza 1000kms left him unable to drive in the race itself.

The popular Frenchman was in reflective mood:

“I feel fine - better now I’m off the crutches, though I am still a little sleepy sometimes.”

Visibly carrying a slight limp he told us, “It’s not so bad. Sure, I would like to be driving, but now I get to watch the team for a change.”

About the Monza accident: “I remember everything. Everyone is talking about it, but these things can happen – that’s life. I will be back at the next race.”

So we can expect Ortelli back at the Nurburgring in August.  that will be a remarkable return after an extraordinary accident.