Tréluyer: “The goal is to win”

At the end of a faultless race, Marcel Fässler, Benoît Tréluyer and André Lotterer managed to climb onto the second step of the podium in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Since then, the three men have not taken the wheel of the Audi R15 again. It is therefore with undisguised pleasure that Benoît Tréluyer reunites with the team that allowed him to obtain his best result in the Sarthe.

?I hadn?t seen the Audi team since the 24 Hours and it made me very happy to see the team again, admits the Frenchman. Since mid-June, I have competed in quite a few races in Japan and I haven't had much opportunity to see the team again. »

In addition to having to get his bearings aboard the winner of the last Le Mans double-lap, the official Nissan Super GT driver is discovering Road Atlanta, a typical American track.

“What a pleasure to find the Audi R15 TDI again, He continues. I obviously loved the 24 Hours, but here, we ride with a lot more downforce and you have to be at full throttle all the time. We really have the impression of using the car 100%. Plus, what a circuit! I had never ridden on this track, and I am won over. Before arriving, I had prepared a little on a simulator? it's a way for me to get a first glimpse of the place – but I was far from thinking that it?s so fantastic. What a foot! It?s a circuit like we don?t do anymore. Not too many clearance areas, unevenness, it is anything but sanitized. It?s a real old-fashioned circuit! »

In addition to being a classic and the final round of the American Le Mans Series, the 13th edition of Petit Le Mans is the second meeting of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. A series whose first stage did not see Audi shine, which was unable to prevent rivals from Peugeot to sign a double. It will therefore be imperative to win in Georgia, at the risk of putting a definitive end to the crown of this new championship.

“The goal is to win the race, adds the former resident of the Pescarolo Sport team. If we are on the top step of the podium on Saturday night, it will also mean that we beat the 908. It will be difficult but we will fight tooth and nail. The two days of testing – or rather the day of testing since heavy showers ruined a full day? – allowed us to get our bearings and carry out adjustment work. For me, who didn't know the circuit, it was important to do this run. Ditto for Marcel (Fässler) who had already driven here but in GT2 only. There remains André (Lotterer) who had a race last weekend and who was unable to take part in these tests. Did he discover the track on Wednesday for free practice? »

Responsible for qualifying his car, Benoît Tréluyer delivered a stellar performance. The Frenchman placed the No. 15 Audi R9 plus on third place on the starting grid, just four tenths behind the Peugeot that took pole, not without having beaten the sister car of the experienced McNish-Kristensen- trio. Capello. It promises?

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