We’ve already lost the early race leader the DeltaWing and now Michael Shank Racing’s Honda-HPD powered Ligier has dropped out the Rolex 24 at Daytona while leading.

Ozz Negri was at the wheel after nine hours and 30 minutes when the experienced veteran quickly pulled the Ligier off track.

Honda later confirmed an engine failure for the car which had shown dramatic pace throughout the race to date – particularly with Negri, Olivier Pla and AJ Allmendinger at the wheel.

“I had no warning (about the engine failure). We were just looking after everything, taking our time. But suddenly the engine let go,” Negri said.

“It’s tough, it’s really tough to take. But, this happens in racing. Everyone here, the Honda/HPD guys and Ligier and everyone, we are all working together. We win together, we lose together.”

The chance for a Le Mans LM P2-style car tasting success took a further hit shortly after when Scott Sharp was forced to serve a penalty for working under a closed pit.

The penalty pushed the Patrón Racing ESM squad off the lead lap.

At the 10 hour mark Scott Pruett held the lead for Action Express Racing aboard the No.5 entry – Pruett pushing for a record sixth Rolex 24 Hour victory.

Three Corvette Daytona Prototypes now fill the top three spots as the race heads into Sunday morning.

Ah I’m so gutted to see this. @MichaelShankRac guys work so hard, heartbroken for them if this is terminal. This looked like there’s to lose

— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) January 31, 2016

The @MichaelShankRac Honda Ligier has retired from the lead of the race following a motor failure #rolex24

— Sunday Group (@Sundaygroup) January 31, 2016