CADILLAC JOTA STRIPPED OF LE MANS POLE: BMW ON TOP
Cadillac JOTA has lost its Hypercar pole position for the 24 Hours of Le Mans after race officials found that the #38 car entered the Fast Lane before the permitted time ahead of Hyperpole 2.
The penalty came just moments before the decisive Hyperpole session and resulted in the #38 Cadillac being moved to the back of the Hyperpole 2 classification. Instead of starting from pole position, the car will now line up in tenth place for the race.
The decision dramatically changes the front of the grid and hands pole position to the BMW WRT #15. Dries Vanthoor, who delivered a strong performance throughout qualifying, is now officially credited with pole position for the 2026 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The ruling is a major setback for Cadillac JOTA after an impressive qualifying effort. The team had shown excellent pace throughout the week and appeared capable of challenging for victory from the front of the field. However, the procedural infringement proved costly, with the loss of pole position significantly affecting the team’s starting position for the race.
For BMW WRT, the decision marks a significant achievement. The manufacturer secures the top spot on the grid for one of the world’s most prestigious endurance races for the first time ever, with Vanthoor becoming the official polesitter after the stewards’ intervention.
With the grid now revised, BMW WRT #15 will start from pole position, while Cadillac JOTA #38 drops to tenth as the countdown to the 24 Hours of Le Mans continues.
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