Albuquerque: “Very important for us to win”

This time, Alpine did not triumph. Winner of the last three rounds of the WEC 2016 in LM P2, Philippe Sinault's team was unable to counter the fury of the team's Ligier JS P2 RGR Sport, who, in front of a crowd won over to his cause (Ricardo Gonzalez, his boss being Mexican), scored a second victory this season after his opening success at Silverstone.

Key element of the Mexican triumph for RGR Sport alongside Gonzalez and Bruno Senna, Philip Albuquerque concluded the race of the No. 2 LM P43 in style, embroiled in a duel with its French rival, led by Nicolas lapierre. In the end, less than two seconds at the finish to the advantage of the Portuguese over the Signatech driver-Alpine, and a special podium for an entire team.

“Like everyone, we have prepared a lot for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But this race was like our second Le Mans, the second weekend not to be missed, Albuquerque admitted to us after arrival. Much attention was paid to this event. It was very important for us to win. »

After this first place at home, RGR Sport hopes to be able to disrupt the domination of the No. 460 A36 at the end of the championship, even if the lead of the French team remains significant before the next meeting in Austin, Texas. (September 17-18).

“We take the races one after the other, continues Albuquerque. It's good to reconnect with the first step here. The pressure is on Alpine, they must finish all the races or risk seeing their lead greatly reduced. »

Find the report and the complete analysis of the 6 Hours of Mexico, produced by our special correspondent in Mexico, in issue 2079 of AUTOhebdo, available in digital version and on newsstands.

Comments collected by Thibaut Villemant