An unpredictable and hotly contested 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship concluded on an emotional note last weekend when Audi Sport legend Tom Kristensen bowed out of professional motor racing at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo (November 30).

While the Dane secured a podium in Brazil his team-mates Benoît Tréluyer, Marcel Fässler and André Lotterer ended the season as runners-up in the standings, but the highlight of their campaign undoubtedly came with a third outright win at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The finale at Interlagos felt like the season in a nutshell with thrills, drama, on-track battles and high emotions in abundance. The concluding event also marked the farewell race for Kristensen, whose name will forever remain associated with Audi, prototype racing and of course Le Mans.

“This was always going to be a pretty emotional weekend, but we all stayed in good spirits,” declared Benoît. “We made sure to pull all the pranks and jokes we could think of so that Tom will remember us the right way! We also spent a lot of time with him, the mechanics and Allan [McNish]. His retirement definitely brings an important chapter to a close.

“The transition of that crew has been smooth, beginning with Dindo Capello signing off in 2012, then Allan last year, and finally ‘Mr. Le Mans’ himself at the weekend. I am really happy to see him leave on a high, clinching yet another podium. Tom taught us so many things and will always be a role model.

“He is not leaving the team though, so we can still benefit from his wealth of experience next year. This will be especially true when it comes to fitness because he’s definitely the benchmark in that field. I think I’ll remember Tom’s final briefing for a long time. He insisted on attending in order to find new solutions, improve the car, and work hard ahead of 2015. He delivered as if this was just another race and did his job with typically high standards. What a professional! Allan wanted to be here as well, which just shows how important the bonds are within the Audi family. We draw our strength from these strong connections.”

The Brazilian fans were given a sense of the hard work that these powerful links foster throughout the event. Benoît was on the back foot from the outset when the #2 car lost power, dropping it down the order. The Frenchman tried to maintain the racing line while avoiding his oncoming rivals, but unfortunately an LMP2 car made contact.

“I stopped on the edge of the track shortly after and had to perform a system reset to get going again,” he explained later. “After that I had the bit between my teeth and began storming back through the field. I lost some time in traffic but I could match the leaders’ pace when I was running in clean air. Marcel then took over at the wheel and covered a pair of excellent stints. André followed suit, setting the fastest time in the process. Despite our initial setback, we were still pretty much fighting for a podium finish. Unfortunately, during my next stint one of the GT Ferraris did not see me while I was overtaking, and the ensuing contact removed an aero part from our R18. From then on things were a little more difficult.”

The #2 crew eventually crossed the line in fifth place, but the 2012 title-winning trio were nevertheless happy to have secured second in the drivers’ standings.

“It’s been a rollercoaster year. There have been tremendous highs such as our third Le Mans victory, which was our main goal pre-season, and the COTA win, but there have also been lows like the Silverstone DNF or the final rounds where we did not have enough pace,” reflected Tréluyer, who was also keen to highlight the incredible team spirit within the Audi group.
 
“We felt a bit more at ease this weekend as we could carry more speed through the corners while not using too much energy on the exits,” he continued. “Since our chassis is terrific, we’re always right on the money when we manage to find grip.”
 
Before beginning preparations for 2015, the Le Mans-winning trio will take part in another championship – albeit a far less stressful one – when they begin their end-of-season-ceremonies tour!

“They keep coming one after another!” explained the Frenchman, who will attend several traditional black tie events this winter. With these commitments complete, Benoît will travel to the Les Deux Alpes ski resort to apply the finishing touches to a personal project that has been close to his heart for several years. Finally, he and wife Mélanie have made it a reality.

“We have arranged a 1290ft², two-apartment chalet with a training room that meets the demands of any racing driver or top athlete,” he explained. “The idea struck me because I had been looking for a place that would be functional and welcoming, comfortable but not luxurious. This training centre ideally suited to the needs of endurance racing teams as it can accommodate their three drivers. There will be a professional trainer on-site, but athletes can come with their own coaches as well. In fact, I have already received many requests from outside the motor racing world, including tennis players and professional cyclists.”
 
The curtain has fallen on a thrilling and emotional 2014 campaign that has seen the FIA World Endurance Championship extend its scope and significance. Next season will begin with the launch of Benoît and Mélanie’s training centre, a promising start to what should be another exciting season of racing.

“Until then,” concluded Benoît , “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!”