LM GT1
Patrice Goueslard – Luc Alphand Aventures #72 Corvette C6.R – 2nd GT1
“I am really delighted with this result and this second title in a row. I will never forget this race; what a thrill! I am very happy to offer this award to our partners, I of course think of TFN, Dunlop, which did a very good job this weekend, as well as all the other ones. These two invitations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2010 will allow us to get ready quietly for this event, hopefully Luc will come back and new partners will join us to thrill with us. This season has been quite difficult – Luc accident, Corvette crash at Le Mans and economic crisis – but we finally end up in the best way. Now we have to get as good results in the last rounds of FIA-GT and FFSA-GT. I’ve been driving for the team for four years and our worst result is third place in the Le Mans Series. I will definitely stay with the team in 2010.”
LM GT2
Marc Lieb – Team Felbermayr-Proton #77 Porsche 997 GT3 RSR – 1st GT2
“We are absolutely thrilled to have taken back the points’ lead with our win. It’s fantastic that we have gained so much of an advantage and can win the championship by virtue of our own strength. After such bad luck in Portugal, where we lost the possible win and championship lead through no fault of our own in an accident, luck was on our side this time.”
Richard Lietz – Team Felbermayr-Proton #77 Porsche 997 GT3 RSR – 1st GT2
“It was a fiercely tough race. Our car was not easy to handle on the Nürburgring and the tyres deteriorated more than usual by the end of our stints. We can thank our team for this win. At every pit stop they managed to make up time against our rivals. Once, the Felbermayr boys were an unbelievable 18 seconds faster than our closest opponent. Congratulations and thank you!”
Tom Coronel – Spyker Squadron #85 Spyker 8 Laviolette – 2nd GT2
“It’s a dream! We really needed this and the result came at the right time! I was in a heavy fight with Beltoise when he hit me. At that moment I knew he would get a stop and go and we would be able to get back in second place. I think this was the hardest race I have ever driven. I gave everything I could, I really couldn’t go faster!”
Jarek Janis - Spyker Squadron #85 Spyker 8 Laviolette – 2nd GT2
“I am very happy; it was a great weekend for us. The car was working very well. Unfortunately we had to start from the back, but during the race our lap times were pretty good and so we went to the front step by step. I have to say thanks to the team, my engineer and the mechanics, they did a great job. The car is getting better at every race and it is easy and nice to drive this car!”
Peter van Erp, Managing Director Spyker Squadron
“This is a great result for the team. The drivers really worked hard and went for it. We already showed it was possible at Portimao and after our fifth place at Le Mans. We were right there in the practice sessions and in qualifying. Due to the engine change we came from the back of the grid to second place so I am extremely happy and very proud of the drivers. My compliments for the team!”
Raymond Narac – IMSA Performance Matmut #76 Porsche 997 GT3 RSR – 5th GT2
“I do not know why it was so chaotic on the track today but the drivers were very excited. In Portimao we were worried there would be a lot of accidents but there were just a few. Here, it should have been rather calmer but there was a lot on-track incidents and dangerous manoeuvres! Shortly after climbing behind the wheel, a competitor in a dark blue prototype hit me from behind. He punctured the tyre but he also damaged the wing extension. That meant we had to change it when I returned to the pits and obviously that took some time, losing two laps. The madness did not stop there however as I nearly crashed into two cars which were spinning in front of me, including an LMP2 Courage, which was off the racing line and two GT2s which were having a scrap! Really, you couldn’t relax for a moment. We go to Silverstone wary after last year when Richard Lietz got crashed out of the race by a Peugeot. The car was nearly completely destroyed so I really hope that things can come good over there!”
Antonio Garcia – Team Modena #84 Ferrari F430 GT – 8th GT2
“At the beginning it took some time for the tyre pressures to come right, but then we got faster and the others started to struggle. This time the tyres were new when I jumped in the car, and I was able to conserve them a bit longer and not over-drive them. The Porsche was right on my tail, and it was difficult to keep focused knowing that if I pushed hard I could make them run out of tyres as well – I was trying to be as smooth as possible but also aggressive and make them use their tyres as soon as possible. The gap was four or five seconds, then suddenly then disappeared from my mirrors and I was able to pull away and open a gap.”
Paul Drayson – Drayson Racing #87 Aston Martin Vantage – GT2
“Right at the start of my first stint the exhaust silencer crack caused a nasty vibration. Then acrid smoke came into the cabin from burning plastic around the foot well which forced us to stop. The team did a great job getting the silencer fixed so that we could rejoin the race. I was pleased to be able to get a chance at a full two hour double stint and really enjoyed my time in the car. See you at Silverstone.”
Cécile Bonardel