Quesnel: “We need a revolution”

Do you agree on a possible change in the regulations between cars with diesel engines and those with gasoline engines?
I am willing to accept the gasoline/diesel debate but I especially do not want the factory teams/private teams debate to be overshadowed. We see the Audis (R10, three times winner at Le Mans) of the Kolles team, now that they are no longer factory, they are no longer moving forward at all. And I remain firmly convinced that, if Porsche came with gasoline, it would move as fast as us. If, tomorrow, Oreca fights for victory against us, it is not logical. I understand that private teams no longer want to be ten seconds away from us. But, if tomorrow they fight with me for half a second, I'm leaving. I'm not going to spend my money to see myself saddled with ballast and get beaten by teams who have ten times less budget than me.

It is still annoying for private structures, which commit significant funds, not to be able to fight?
If we want the car of a private team to win, we must ask the manufacturers not to come anymore. If we are here, it is to win.

Is that everyone’s goal?
No, not from a small stable. If we are there, they can't win. The future of Le Mans is perhaps to go through the small teams but it is not up to me to decide. If this is the declared will, let us tell Audi, Peugeot and other interested manufacturers not to come anymore. We will find something else.

So you are not in favor of equity between private and factory teams?
How do you expect me to explain this to my general management: “give me ten times more budget than Pesca or Chaunac but we are going to lose because we are being burdened”? If we are there, it is the power of money that predominates. I have no worries, it's up to the ACO to decide. The ACO has some real reflection to do. Because let's imagine that three other manufacturers join us in the 24 Hours. I am convinced that, despite what the ACO may decide, the (financial) escalation would still take place.

Starting from such a principle, it is hard to imagine that a consultation on the regulations would bring you into agreement with the directors of private teams?
It's really not my problem. I look at the rules, then decide whether to come or not. For my part, I'm not worried. Christian Peugeot recalled that the sports section would continue to exist. I have 200 people whose work I know is guaranteed. It?s certain that it?s better if it remains in endurance. But we have no problem moving. Manufacturers are used to turning around.

So what do you want?
We are two manufacturers, we both want to win. If we want the fight to be fair, the referee must be impeccable. I remain convinced that Le Mans has a bright future. But what is needed now is a revolution. Or you have to tell the builders: “get out, we no longer need you”. I will understand it. But tell us.