Porsche: Audi managed its qualifying better

Porsche was beaten by Audi in qualifying for the 6 Hours of Nürburgring (Germany). The 919 Hybrids will start on the second row with the No. 919 1 Hybrid of Bernhard-Webber-Hartley in third position ahead of the No. 2 of Lieb-Jani-Dumas after falling four tenths behind the pole won by Fässler-Lotterer on the R18 n°7.

Despite the brand's result at the Rings, Porsche remains confident for the race after having managed its time on the track less well than its direct opponent.

“The defense of the title remains our main objective. We and the spectators can expect an exciting race since the gaps between the LMP1 hybrids are so close. Unpredictable weather will spice things up », comments Fritz Enzinger, vice-president of the Porsche LMP1 project.

“The places on the grid depended a lot on the performance windows, specifies Andreas Seidl, Team Principal of Porsche LMP1. This applies to both traffic and track conditions which improved before it rained again at the end. Audi knew how to manage its time better than we do today. Our two 919 Hybrids are progressing well technically and we think we are well prepared for the race. »

Timo Bernhard, the driver of the No. 1 Porsche, confirms having been slowed down by the other competitors on the track. “I had LMP2s on track during my two qualifying laps. Mark (Webber) was able to have a clear lap at the end, but it started to rain at the chicane”, regrets the German.

“I had problems with the settings and I no longer had any electrical power on my first lap, adds Marc Lieb, driver of sister car no. 2. It was better on the next lap but it was still not perfect because I braked a little early before the chicane. As for Neel (Jani), he was slowed down by traffic. We had better qualifications. »

The 6 Hours of the Nürburgring will be contested this Sunday July 24 from 13 p.m. and will be followed live on L'Équipe 21 and Motors TV.

Qualifying results for the 6 Hours of the Nürburgring