Audi trio Loic Duval, Tom Kristensen and Lucas di Grassi ended their season with a podium finish at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo (30 November), the concluding round of the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship. The Frenchman and his Audi Sport Team Joest squad now have their sights set on 2015.
Duval arrived in Brazil with a positive attitude, asserting that the team should enjoy the last race of the year. “Even though the second half of the campaign has not been easy for us, we needed to keep in mind that this was Tom’s final outing as a professional driver and Lucas’ home race – we had something to celebrate,” he highlighted.
Indeed, the race meeting was unlike the rest of the championship for the #1 Audi crew-mates as it was dominated by tributes to retiring nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Kristensen. But once they were aboard the R18 e-tron quattro, the trio did not lose focus, keeping pace with the front-runners throughout the weekend. “It was very emotional,” admitted Duval, “but on-track a new set-up gave us a lot more grip which meant we were able to put in a good performance in each session.”
As a result, Loic and his crew-mates finished the weekend on the third step of the podium. “However,” he continued, “if we had managed to complete a double stint, as I tried to at the beginning, we might have had the perfect race. There were a lot of battles throughout the field and, after seeing horrific pictures from Mark Webber’s crash, we were all relieved to hear that he is alright. It was important for us to finish on the podium and accomplish our goal.”
The 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship Awards Ceremony gave the drivers chance to practice their samba dancing in Sao Paulo on the Monday after the race. With more praise for Kristensen, the curtain finally came down on the third season of the premier endurance racing championship.
“From the team’s point of view, we achieved our main objective, which was victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours,” concluded Loic. “Holding on to the world title proved to be more difficult, but we must congratulate Toyota for their great work. We made certain set-up decisions specifically for Le Mans that were most effective to secure the win there.
“As for me, I admit I am quite pleased to see the back of this year! My accident during free practice at Le Mans certainly marred my season and caused me to miss the most important race of the year. Throughout my recovery, I was unable to race, so my results this season were compromised. It was a difficult time for me, but thanks to the unfailing support of Audi Sport Team Joest I quickly got back behind the wheel and am more determined than ever to fly the flag for this fantastic group of people.
“Next season will be tough, especially because our opponents are gaining more and more experience. But we will do the same, and learn from the difficulties we faced this year. The team and myself are more ambitious than ever to succeed, particularly at Le Mans, which is once again our number one motivation.”
We can’t wait…