Ben Keating admitted he remains injured as he eyes a return to the Le Mans 24‑Hours after a month‑long elbow operation.
The former Formula One driver sustained a broken elbow in a late‑March mountain‑bike accident, missing the first two World Endurance Championship rounds at Imola and Spa. Nine weeks after the surgery, the cast had slowed to a brace, and Keating was not permitted to lift anything until light exercise was introduced. Although he can reach the limits of the #33 Corvette Z06 GT3.R, his arm does not yet hold full strength and he expects another half‑year to recover completely.
First Test Lap at Le Mans
During a Sunday session, Keating completed a single lap in the TF Sport Corvette, sharing the car with Nicky Catsburg and Jonny Edgar. He described “getting in and out” as tricky during the driver‑change sequence, noting that tightening the seat belts still presents a challenge.
What Keating Says
“I’m feeling good, but anxious. I’m not 100 percent,” Keating told Motorsport.com ahead of opening practice. “I was cleared to race, but it does not feel very good with my elbow.” He added that stitches remain visible and that he wants to be the reason the team wins, not the reason it loses.
The driver reflected on a doctor’s warning that “you won’t be ready,” only to later be told “you can race.” Keating says he believes he can avoid further injury, but “it doesn’t feel very comfortable.” The driver will continue to assess his condition throughout the 24‑hour race and beyond.
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