Fisichella: “The times will go down”

If the times of the Ferrari n°82 of the Risi Competizione in the qualifications of 24 Hours of Le Mans have been canceled, Giancarlo Fisichella is certain that times will continue to improve in the next sessions.

The No. 82 Risi Competizione Ferrari occupied 7th position in the GTE Pro category at the end of the first qualifying session for the 24 Hours of Le Mans held yesterday evening, Giancarlo Fisichella having completed a lap in 3'54" 305, 2" 1 behind. the provisional reference made by Nicki Thiim on the Vantage n°95.

The times of the Ferrari of Risi Competizione were nevertheless canceled due to a tire change carried out after the checkered flag. Everything therefore has to be done again for the crew usually engaged in IMSA, but the team does not seem perturbed by the task at hand.

“It's an unfortunate mistake, but it shouldn't be a problem as the cars should be faster tonight as the temperatures are expected to be a little cooler, explained Giancarlo Fisichella to AUTOhebdo.fr. We found good settings on the car and the tires, which are different than those of IMSA although we are still in Michelin, work well despite the heat. »

Traffic management remains an important parameter for GTE drivers who have to deal with LMP2s that are faster than in the past, but the Risi Competizione crew can count on its experience at Le Mans.

“What Oliver Gavin (driver of the No. 64 Corvette) said about it being like there were only LMP1s left to overtake is somewhat true., noted Giancarlo Fisichella. They are very fast on straight lines and we don't know who is coming behind us in the night. It's gotten a little more complicated, but I can deal with it. »

His teammate Pierre Kaffer shares this impression, the winner of the GT2 category in 2009 with the American team, making his 11th participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“I think the same thing, but there are such differences between the LMP2s that I don't focus on the category, recognized the German to AUTOhebdo.fr. We may find ourselves desperately waiting for a car to pass us and the straight to end. We must also be wary of the LMP1-Hs which accelerate very hard with the hybrid system, especially in sectors like the one between Indianapolis and Arnage where the straight is short. »

Risi Competizione remains in 2nd place in GTE Pro at the 24 2016 Hours of Le Mans behind Ford with Fisichella-Malucelli-Vilander.