 With only two CLRs remaining , Mercedes started from the fourth and seventh place grid positions . Schneider was able to move into third place behind the two Toyotas in the opening laps while Bouchut progressed to fourth . The Toyotas made pit stops first , followed by Schneider and Bouchut , then the two BMWs . One of the Toyotas eventually suffered transmission issues which dropped it down in the field , leaving the top six positions to be swapped amongst the two remaining Toyotas , two Mercedes , and two BMWs as they made pit stops on different schedules . Driver changes during later pit stops had Lagorce getting in the No. 6 to replace Schneider , while Dumbreck replaced Bouchut in the No. 5 . Schneider reported that , despite some initial problems dealing with the car 's new aerodynamics , it was running well by the end of his stint . 
