WEC – Audi still wary of Toyota in Sao Paulo

Audi has placed its two R18 e-tron quattros on the first row of the grid for the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo, the R18 n°1 driven by Benoît Tréluyer and Marcel Fässler during qualifying was only half a tenth ahead of the sister car driven by Loïc duval et Tom Kristensen. La Toyota TS030 n°8 de Davidson-Buemi-Sarrazin may have failed by two tenths, but the brand with the Rings still fears the Japanese LMP1. “The qualifications highlighted the level of our crews who ride at a very high and constant pace”, commented Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport. “I'm delighted to see both cars on the front row, it was a superb performance. But the race will have a new challenge in store for us. We expect to make an additional stop against Toyota, the tanks having evolved further before Le Mans. But we will do everything to achieve a good result. »

Marcel Fässler was impressed by the small gap separating the two Audis after qualifying. The German is fully focused on the internal title fight. “We have only seen such close gaps this season at the 12 Hours of Sebring. In the end, only the time counts, no matter the gap. The most important thing is the fact that we gained one more point in the Championship. » His teammate Benoît Tréluyer focuses more on the strategy for the race where the performance of the tires will be an essential parameter. “The task was quite delicate. With new tires, Marcel did a top-notch job. I wasn't as confident at the start because I was navigating traffic and suffering from understeer. I was still able to do some good laps. It is important that the tires hold well when racing. The latter will require the adoption of a good strategy. Things are looking good but we remain focused. »

The drivers of the No. 2 Audi are also optimistic for the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo, with their R18 also proving competitive during qualifying at the Interlagos circuit. “The Audi R18 e-tron quattro performed very well,” underlines Loïc Duval. “I think I was a little too careful, but the times weren't bad. We are now in second place although we would obviously have preferred pole. But we are at the forefront and we are competitive. Last year, Toyota was ahead of us. » His teammate Tom Kristensen tried to attack, but the Dane had to cut his effort after making a mistake. “Our car was working well and my first time was satisfactory. Unfortunately, the second one wasn't as good. I knew that pole was within our reach when I noticed that I had set a lap in 1'21"3. Unfortunately, the left curb at the first corner sent me into a spin and I preferred to save the tires for the race. I congratulate my teammates for their performance. »