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Alexandre Prémat and Mike Rockenfeller (http://www.audi-motorsport.info) Photo : - |
"The race was a real thriller. In terms of pure lap speed, as had been the case in practice as well, we had a slight disadvantage. Thanks to the pit crews working swiftly, a very good strategy and the lower fuel consumption of our TDI engine, we always managed to get within striking distance of the Peugeots. Ten laps before race end, we were leading before the collision occurred between the two cars fighting for victory. This robbed us of the possibility to win. Considering that this car had to start from the pit lane and was even leading the field up until the dying laps of the race it is clear that our performance on the whole was good. We were able to put pressure on our rivals but, unfortunately, the tables turned against just before the end. We take a little consolation from the fact that we’re now leading the drivers’ standings – with the car driven by our two youngsters. That’s a great achievement. Unfortunately, car #1 was involved in an accident at a very early stage and lost time in the pit lane. Still, it was able to make up ground, improving to sixth place. That was a great feat as well.”
Alexandre Prémat (Audi R10 TDI #2):
"It was a very thrilling race. After the problem during the formation lap ‘Rocky‘ drove fantastic first two stints. I pushed very hard as well to stay on the Peugeot’s heels. We could have won the race. Unfortunately, we had a collision with the Peugeot shortly before the finish, which – from my perspective – was unfair and cost us victory. Still, we finished as the runner-up and that’s a good result; and now we’re leading the drivers’ standings. That’s a bit of consolation. I want to thank Dr Ullrich, Ralf Jüttner and the entire Audi Sport Team Joest, who did a great job. I’m already looking forward to Spa!”
Mike Rockenfeller (Audi R10 TDI #2):
"We had good chances here to win the race. But, unfortunately, there was a slight misunderstanding during radio communications. I was informed that the Peugeot was going to get a stop-and-go penalty after taking a short-cut in the chicane. But then he let me pass. For me, that made it pretty clear that he wasn’t going to get a penalty. Of course I didn’t know that he was supposed to get the stop-and-go for something totally different. When on the next lap he arrived on the outside of the end of the start-finish straight again, I defended the inside line once more. But he simply turned in and hit me, damaging my rim in the process. I had to pit and that meant my race was lost. Of course that was a shame because it could have been our first victory. At least we’re now leading the championship. Still, I didn’t think this action was right. We’ll be defending ourselves and will really attack next time.”
Dindo Capello (Audi R10 TDI #1):
"Regarding my accident, I was on the straight before Parabolica. There were three cars i front of me. I overtook the second car and then suddenly found the car in front of me going slowly. I went to the right, otherwise I would have crashed into this car. Unfortunately Vanina Ickx was there and we sligthly touched. The car went on one side then went on the grass before flying through the air. It was probably one of the biggest impacts I’ve had. I was lucky. The mechanics and the team did a fantastic job - a lesson for the other teams. We recovered with Allan and I setting very fast lap times. It was a shame to lose fifth position because of a puncture just on the lap the pace car switched off the lights.”
Allan McNish (Audi R10 TDI #1):
"Unfortunately we were again on a recovery drive and I’m especially disappointed because we had a car to win this race although on sheer pace, we’re quite a long way from where we need to be. Audi Sport Team Joest did a superb job after Dindo’s accident in repairing our extensively damaged R10 TDI in record-breaking time which allowed us to set competitive times for the remainder of the race. My thoughts are with Stéphane (Ortelli) who barrel-rolled through the air across the nose of my car. It was a shocking accident – a very frightening sight – and I wish him a quick and full recovery.”
Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest):
"Audi and Peugeot both lost a car again at a pretty early stage. After Dindo’s (Capello) accident we practically had to prepare the car again from scratch – and we managed to do this within fourteen and a half minutes. That’s really a good time. That this car still managed to finish in sixth place is a great achievement of the entire team. Even greater was the performance of the #2 car that was a little slower. The team kept bringing Alex (Prémat) and ‘Rocky‘ close to the Peugeot and ultimately into the leading position. Both drove a fantastic race. When the stop-and-go-penalty was imposed against the second-placed Peugeot we thought we had pocketed race victory. What Pedro (Lamy) then did to ‘Rocky‘ was not right. It caused us to lose victory, and that’s a bitter pill.”