A battle of Titans

Photo : Michel JAMIN - ACO/Nikon

Intercontinental Le Mans Cup - Autosport 1000km of Silverstone

With the historic triple at the 24 Hours of Le Mans less than three months ago, Audi are already back to business. Asked during a test session held at the EuroSpeedway, the four drivers and their managers talk about 1000 km of Silverstone.

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "Ever since Audi has been active in Le Mans prototype racing we’ve supported the idea of a worldwide racing series with these fascinating vehicles. Now the idea has become reality thanks to the ACO. Although we’ll have very strong rivals and before Silverstone don’t know exactly where we stand with our R15 plus that has been trimmed for more downforce we’ve always just got one goal at Audi, and that’s victory."

Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): "The track has changed since our last race there in 2008: we’re driving the new version like Formula 1. The transition in the new section is said to be a bit bumpy. Other than that there are the typical places like Backetts, Maggotts and so on - so the old Silverstone flair should still exist. After Le Mans we’ve tried to come up with some more downforce on the car and we’ve got to handle on that in the short time that’s available on the race weekend. The team knows that we’ve got strong rivals and that the race is shorter than Le Mans."

Tom Kristensen (Driver): "After suffering a bit from the ‘heel tendon’ issue at the beginning of the year, I’m very happy that my second sports car career is now starting ‘full time.’ It’s great being able to tackle the new racing series together with Audi and Team Joest - and of course together with Allan (McNish), too. It’s also high time to return to Silverstone again. I’ve only driven there twice and won both times. The track has changed a bit since then and has new sections that look challenging because there seem to be bumps in fast corners and a slow complex. I’m very excited about it."

Allan McNish (Driver): "It is important that Tom (Kristensen) and I, and of course Audi, get off to a good start in that Championship as Peugeot, our main competition over the last three years, will be keen for revenge especially after Audi’s 1-2-3 result at Le Mans in June. Silverstone marks the first time Audi and Peugeot have faced each other since Le Mans so you can expect fireworks and a titanic fight between us. The Audi R15 TDI has already won two out of the three races we’ve done this year and ‘TK’ and I will be fighting hard to make it a third win on what is the R15 TDI’s UK race debut."

Timo Bernhard (Driver): "I’m happy that after the huge exploit at Le Mans Audi has selected me again this season. I’m by far the youngest one in the squad and think that I’ll form a good crew with Dindo (Capello). Silverstone is new for me in the prototype but that wasn’t a problem at Le Mans and Spa either. Silverstone marks the beginning of a new era for the sports cars - and I’m happy to be part of it. The race has a superb field. It shows that the trend is pointing in the right direction."

Dindo Capello (Driver): "I’ve never had such a long summer break in my career before. After almost three months I’m glad to finally be able to shift into ‘race mode’ again and to sit in the Audi Audi R15 TDI. Even though our rivals are well prepared and have more experience with their car, which has a lot of downforce, I’m confident that we’ll at least be on an equal footing. Not sharing the car with Allan (McNish) and Tom (Kristensen) for the first time in many years is a new experience for me. I’ll have to be careful not to get into the wrong cockpit at the pit stop ... But I believe that Timo (Bernhard) and I’ll form a good duo and that we’ll have some hot battles with our team colleagues. Timo showed at Le Mans that he is strong, fast and reliable."