WEC – Duval: “Everything was not optimized” on the No. 2 Audi

Loïc duval despite taking the lead in the race at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the No. 18 R2 was never able to outrun its sister car, the No. 1 from Tréluyer-Fässler-Lotterer, despite a puncture for the latter who still ended up winning. The Frenchman had nevertheless completed an excellent relay even if the traffic greatly disrupted his race. “I got off to an excellent start, overtaking the other two Audis on the inside of the Source corner and at the same time taking control of the race. I was then slowed down by traffic. It felt like a day off on vacation! The n°1 took the opportunity to close the gap and regain the advantage before suffering a puncture. We then temporarily inherited first place. »

Despite the lead taken, the reigning champion crew was able to leave the Belgian Ardennes at the top of the Championship with one point ahead of Duval-Kristensen-McNish. If the result may be slightly disappointing for the drivers of the R18 n°2, it is time for optimism before preparing the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi having nevertheless achieved a resounding hat-trick face Toyota which saw n°7 in the 2013 version abandoned. “We lacked the pace to maintain our position,” recognizes Loïc Duval. “After the race, we noticed when reading the data that everything was not optimized, which cost us in performance. We need to research further to understand in detail. In the end, this race was a fantastic dress rehearsal before Le Mans. Our team of mechanics proved to be the fastest during the pit stops. This bodes well for a good weekend in Sarthe. »

Before going to Sarthe for the biggest meeting of the year, Loïc Duval will pass the time in his own way. “I will take part in my first race of the season in Super Formula at Autopolis (Japan) on June 1st and 2nd with the team… Le Mans. A sign before the big 24 Hours meeting! »