On 23 June 1991, the Mazda 787B claimed victory at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans. With its win of what many view as the most prestigious endurance race in the world, Mazda became the first and only rotary engine manufacturer and the first Japanese manufacturer to take the overall victory.
Mazda was not the favourite to win, but the three Mazdas started 19th (No. 55), 23rd (No. 18) and 30th (No. 56), despite being the 12th, 17th and 24th fastest qualifiers, respectively. The new 3.5 litre cars were given the first grid positions, moving everyone else back by seven places. On the day before the race, team manager Takayoshi Ohashi decided to drop his usual conservative strategy and instructed the drivers of the No. 55 car to drive as if it were a short sprint race.
In the race's early stages, the No. 55 car made its way to third place with the No. 18 car behind it two laps down. The No. 18 had a lower gear ratio setup meaning the car used less fuel but was 20 km/h (12 mph) slower. At the 22nd hour, the No. 55 car took the lead and went on to win the race.
It was a famous win for the Zoom-Zoom motor company.
Mazda was not the favourite to win, but the three Mazdas started 19th (No. 55), 23rd (No. 18) and 30th (No. 56), despite being the 12th, 17th and 24th fastest qualifiers, respectively. The new 3.5 litre cars were given the first grid positions, moving everyone else back by seven places. On the day before the race, team manager Takayoshi Ohashi decided to drop his usual conservative strategy and instructed the drivers of the No. 55 car to drive as if it were a short sprint race.
In the race's early stages, the No. 55 car made its way to third place with the No. 18 car behind it two laps down. The No. 18 had a lower gear ratio setup meaning the car used less fuel but was 20 km/h (12 mph) slower. At the 22nd hour, the No. 55 car took the lead and went on to win the race.
It was a famous win for the Zoom-Zoom motor company.