Indonesian Racer Sean Gelael's Big Mission: End Runner-Up Streak and Win Le Mans

Big ambitions have been reaffirmed by Indonesian racer Sean Gelael. This season, he's targeting victory at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of his goal to win the endurance racing world championship.

Le Mans isn't just any race. On the global endurance calendar, this event is the prestigious crown that often defines a driver's legacy.

For Sean, that moment now feels closer after consistently being in title contention over the past two seasons, including two runner-up finishes in the FIA World Endurance Championship and two second-place finishes at Le Mans.

"Last year, and actually the past two years, we've always been in a 'win in the bag' position in both WEC and GT World Challenge. We've achieved several podiums, but unfortunately, our championship fight always stopped short in the penultimate race. The margins were slim, but this season we return with renewed spirit," said Sean.

This season, Sean represents AF Corse 51, a team renowned for its strong reputation in endurance racing. The combination of experience and consistency opens wide opportunities.

"In terms of potential, the opportunity always exists. As I mentioned before, we've finished as runners-up twice in WEC. Similarly at Le Mans, we've been runners-up twice. So, God willing, hopefully this is our year. However, we're aware that nobody knows the final outcome. We can only work hard, do our best, and leave the rest to God," he said.

Consistency is Key

Sean will compete in 18 races this season, with four rounds already completed. Mathematically, the chance to fight for the title remains very realistic, and he considers it greater than in previous seasons.

"Realistically, our chance to compete for the championship this season is still quite significant, even higher than previous years. Every season, thankfully, we've always been able to stay near the top of the provisional Standings. However, we haven't managed to secure the final championship title. Therefore, our target is clear: to become champions," said Sean.

Nevertheless, his personal target remains focused on Le Mans.

"My biggest personal goal is definitely to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It's an extremely prestigious race. Winning there would truly cement our place in history," he stated.

Momentum to End Near-Champion Trend

Two runner-up finishes at the world level prove Sean isn't just making up the numbers on the track. Now, this season is seen as a golden opportunity to end the near-champion trend and turn it into history.

Despite his optimism, he emphasizes that hard work, consistency, and technical factors will be crucial to the final outcome.

In endurance racing, one small mistake can erase 24 hours of relentless effort.

For Sean, Le Mans isn't just about championship racing – it's about etching Indonesia's name on the world's most prestigious endurance stage. (ANTARA)