24h of Spa – Frustration in the WRT clan

Between 2011 and 2016, the Team WRT by Vincent Vosse has accumulated six consecutive podiums at the 24 Hours of Spa, including two successes in 2011 and 2014. An impressive streak which came to an end last weekend in the Ardennes.

With six cars entered, including two official ones, the Belgian structure combined quality and quantity to hope to renew its performances, but it was another Audi R8 LMS, operated by the Audi Sport Team Saintéloc Racing which finally pocketed the double clock lap. Belgian.

“It’s great to see Audi win again at Spa and to be part of this success with two cars in the top 6,” comments Vincent Vosse. But, to be honest, we are also very disappointed not to be on the podium for the first time since 2010 and to have lost three of our cars so early in the race. »

The retirements of the n°3 of Caygill – Venter – Mayr-Melhnof – Lyons, n°17 ​​of Green – Leonard – Smith (off the track), and of the n°6 of Berthon – Richelmi – Tréluyer (electrical problems), largely reduced the forces of WRT, which focused its effort on the two official cars of Mies – de Phillippi – Vervisch and Rast – Müller – Garcia, regularly playing the leading roles until the end of the night. René Rast also lost big after contact with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 n°90 – AKKA-ASP, with a drive-through imposed by the race direction.

“We are frustrated because we had a good pace, our strategy was good, we were fighting for victory almost until the end and everyone in the team gave their all, continues Vincent Vosse.

We need to understand why we were less efficient on Sunday morning after a wonderful night. It was one of the most intense fights at Spa and it was really the details that made the difference. »

Discover the full report of the 24 Hours of Spa, produced by our special correspondents in Belgium, in issue 2125 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version, and on newsstands tomorrow.