Le Mans, 17TH June 2001, 8.00am... During the last four hours the number 8 Bentley EXP Speed 8 has consolidated its third position, running without fault and extending its lead over the fourth placed car to five laps. It is also back in full communication with the pits.

TONY GOTT, chief executive: 'The way the team has got us through the night has been just magnificent. The drivers have not made a mistake in all the changing conditions while the pit work has been impeccable. I am full of admiration for them all, proud of what we have achieved so far and painfully aware of how much more remains to be done.'

ALISTAIR MCQUEEN, project manager, rtn: 'We re-established communications by putting a portable radio in a plastic bag inside the car. Not very Bentley, but it works.'

PETER ELLERAY, designer: 'Simple logic says a car this young should not be where it is now. We now have to do all we can to make sure it stays there.'

ERIC VAN DE POELE: 'I've been having great fun. The car is really good now and while it's still slippery, so long as you're sensible and know where to push and where to take care, the times come.'

BUTCH LEITZINGER: 'This is now the best car I've driven. It's running just how we want it and while you need to be careful on slicks, others on intermediates are sliding just as much.'