Le Mans Classic – Pierre Fillon amazed by the “extraordinary” Audi R8

The tray Endurance Racing Legends of Le Mans Classic is the realm of former top drivers and wealthy car owners. In the middle of this pack, a special participant has slipped in. Pierre Fillon has swapped his costume as President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) for a suit and helmet. More accustomed to handling GTs, Pierre Fillon was this time propelled into the cockpit of the Audi R8 LMP, "the" flagship prototype of the 2000s (5 successes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 2000 and 2005).

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The president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, Piere Fillon, talks to us about Mission H24 and the Audi R8 he's driving this weekend at Le Mans Classic! motul autohebdo lemansclassic

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The ACO President took advantage of this invitation through JMB Classic, Jean-Michel Bourresche's entity specializing in the maintenance and racing of historic cars. JMB is also responsible for the Mission H24 project, and the hydrogen-powered H24EVO prototype is present alongside the Audi R8 in the paddock.

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As he got out of the car on Saturday at the end of Race 1 (7th in category), Pierre Fillon was beaming. “I’ve driven slightly more modern cars like the recent LMP2s, which are difficult to drive, more violent. The Audi R8, I wouldn’t say it’s easy to exploit, but it is easy to drive. It has extraordinary grip. It absorbs all the track’s defects! When you go over a kerb, you feel nothing. It’s incredibly comfortable, and I understand better why it was a practically invincible car in its time.”

Pierre Fillon also receives expert advice from Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. The iconic Audi Sport boss, who has served as team manager for a weekend during each of the Rings' Le Mans victories. "It's symbolic, but first of all, it makes him happy. For me, it's fantastic. Even for the entire JMB Classic team. It shows the continued interest and passion for coming to Le Mans Classic with this car." Dr. Ullrich agreed. “It’s an incredible moment. We had produced such an innovative and enjoyable car for the drivers. This new episode is unimaginable, and I feel very emotional seeing these Audi R8s (there are a total of 3 in ERL. Editor’s note) on the Le Mans track.

 

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This exhibition race finally allows Pierre Fillon to fully grasp the role of Le Mans Classic. We build the future with the past and we must not forget our past., he tells us. Le Mans Classic takes you back in time. When I came to the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a spectator, it was the 1970s cars that made me dream, but for young people today, it's these modern prototypes and GTs. And all these cars are gathered in one place, on one weekend. It's fantastic. I think all generations love the spectacle that you see on the track today.

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