Kevin Estre: “The race direction did not do its job”

The clash between the Ferrari #51 and the Porsche #92 during the 8 Hours of Bahrain event never ceases to be talked about. A little reminder of the facts, the two cars were fighting for the final victory and for the world title in GTE Pro fifteen minutes from the end of the race, when Alessandro Pier Guidi and his Ferrari #51 was surprised when braking by pushing and sending the Porsche who led the race in a spin, regaining control of the race following this incident. Although the Ferrari was instructed to let the Porsche pass, the latter entered the pit lane at the last moment which, in total confusion, gave victory to the Italian team.

Very angry at this improbable scenario, Kevin Estre accused the race commissioners of not having made the right decision. « This decision is incomprehensible and for me the race direction did not do its job. We will do everything to try to go against this decision and try to recover this victory which is due to us. Because Ferrari wins it by being far from fair play and that is far from acceptable.”

ALSO READ > Overheated final in GTE Pro at the 8H of Bahrain

The Porsche representative is obviously frustrated following this controversial accident. He points out the unprofessional behavior on the track of his Italian counterpart, Alessandro Pier Guidi. « Very disappointed by what just happened. I don't think I have the words for that. We're having a crazy race, the Ferrari too. We took big risks and we did everything we could. We were in front with 8 minutes to go. For me, the Ferrari showed no overtaking possibilities. And there, Michael brakes, the Ferrari too, he lets go of the brake and hits our rear end then we spin. The mistake that Pier makes, he should not make as a professional. I doubt it was a mistake, because a pilot of his caliber doesn't normally make mistakes like that."

The French driver also regretted the attitude and celebration of Alessandro Pier Guidi after the race. « Pier Guidi's attitude of making donuts and kissing the car is a sign that they have no style... in any case, he has no state of mind and for For me, we have to ask ourselves whether we should continue to race in a championship run by a race director and stewards who make this kind of decision.” Faced with the rejection of the complaint, Porsche has decided to appeal to the FIA, which temporarily suspends the official results of the 8 Hours of Bahrain. Which could take some time to become known.