WEC – Benoît Tréluyer: “I like tough challenges”

After an idyllic 2012 during which they won a second victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and won the first World Champion title in the modern history of the World Endurance Championship, Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer saw luck turn their backs on them in 2013. These various misadventures combined with the revival of form of the sister car put the three acolytes up against the wall heading into the 6 Hours of Shanghai , penultimate round of the WEC. Indeed, with 40,75 points behind their stablemates Loïc duval, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish, it will be very difficult for them to retain their crown.

“As usual, we are going to do our race with victory as our goal, however insists the Frenchman. And if we are still mathematically in contention for the title on Sunday evening, so much the better! Honestly, the situation doesn't displease me: I like taking on tough challenges! I like finding myself in somewhat difficult problems, and having to give everything to get there. I don't really like situations where I have to manage. I stick to it when necessary, but it's not what I enjoy the most. »

Reste que pour monter sur la première marche du podium, il leur faudra, en plus de venir à bout de leurs voisins de stand, faire trébucher les deux Toyota TS030 Hybrid, qui devraient être redoutable sur ce circuit pour le moins sinueux. “It?s not a track that suits our car very well, and it?s where we encountered the most difficulties last year, recognizes the native of Alençon. We worked and progressed on certain points which posed problems for us, and we will have to wait for the verdict of the first free practices to have a better idea of ​​our true potential. It is (China. Editor’s note) an important step for the championship and the manufacturers that make it up. The attendance at the circuit and the atmosphere can be further improved but we are working for the future. It should be kept in mind that this is only the second time that the WEC has taken place in Shanghai when the F1, for example, has been established there since 2004. It is important to organize a great event in China to anchor the WEC in this country and to offer a final grandiose round in Bahrain to serve as a call for the 2014 championship. which promises to be colorful since three manufacturers have already responded. In Shanghai, the Toyotas will be very efficient, and we expect a great duel. This is going to be tight! » 

The first free practices will begin Friday morning at 1 a.m. (French time). The start of the race will be given on Saturday at 4 a.m.