Mika Salo – Risi Competizione (Ferrari F430 GT) – 1st GT2
“It’s the same [as last year] but we had a lot of opposition this year, faster cars than last year, but it’s a 24 hour race so lots of them had problems and in the end it was only our car which worked perfectly and didn’t have any mistakes. To have three Ferraris on the podium and two of them from Risi is pretty good for the team who did an excellent job. It’s easier to win this race when you know how to do it already, like from last year. You know you don’t have to be the fastest; you just have to save the car a little bit, be careful not to make mistakes and hit anybody or let them hit you. In the beginning of this year’s race we had to go a little faster than last year, but it turned out very well.”
Jaime Melo – Risi Competizione (Ferrari F430 GT) – 1st GT2
“To be honest I didn’t expect to see the Porsches out of the challenge from the first few hours. Before the race we all thought they were really strong, but I think Risi Competizione has really prepared well for this race in the past year as well as more recently. Pierre, Mika and were able to do really consistent lap times, and it was a really easy car to drive so that helped us to do our job. Like Mika said we had no problems. Tire changes were perfect every time so we need to say thanks to Risi Competizione for those and to Michelin as well as we could triple stint the tires from quite early on.”
Pierre Kaffer – Risi Competizione (Ferrari F430 GT) – 1st GT2
“It’s my first year with Risi Competizione and if you ask me whether I have experienced more pressure to do well at this or any other event, then it would be in Sebring because it’s always difficult there for whoever joins a team to be on the pace and there can be disappointment. Jaime and I do the ALMS and in America sometimes it’s difficult for me as I don’t know tracks yet. Here in Le Mans I know it really well and I have the self confidence. I know we have a very good car, and a very good base for this year and Risi do always a great job on preparation and everything to do with the strategy. Everyone works for the same result; every mechanic didn’t just do their job but made they also did it for the victory. I am proud to join such a nice team, to be a little part of this team and it will be nice to be there.”
Nic Jönsson – Risi Competizione (Ferrari F430 GT) – 3rd GT2
“This result is fantastic; for us it’s just like a win. Having the #82 sister car taking the win and us taking third in the whole scheme of things is like a win for the whole team. Risi Competizione have done a fantastic job again. Both cars ran flawlessly the whole way through and there’s very few teams you could say that about: it’s unbelievable and astonishing. You almost get goose bumps every time you go out there on the podium – it’s the biggest sportscar race in the world. You can win races back in the States and stuff, but to finish third here is probably better than any win in the USA. And to do it the way we did it! You just have to stay out of trouble, be patient, try not to race people we know we can’t out-race. Of course, Tracy started racing just six or seven years ago and has been on the podium twice at Le Mans and it’s always a team effort. We’ve done that; it’s a great result for him and a big thanks to Giuseppe Risi for being part of this team. I can’t say enough that I’m happy.”
Tracy Krohn – Risi Competizione (Ferrari F430 GT) – 3rd GT2
“I bumped into Ron Fellows [former Corvette driver and now consultant] about midnight and after we’d chatted and just as I was leaving he said “Tracy, keep it on the track.” To stand up there for the second time in three years is awesome; you’re stunned and on top of that it’s a very knowledgeable group of fans. Nine of the 10 Ferraris finished – it’s phenomenal and, absolutely, to be part of that in what is not just an endurance race, but rather a sprint race is humbling. You have to remember that we don’t drive this car very often [The Ferrari), the three of us. You couldn’t have predicted what might happen...it’s becoming pretty good.”
Eric van de Poele – Risi Competizione (Ferrari F430 GT) – 3rd GT2
“I’ve been part of a winning team in three different classes at Le Mans and even though we didn’t win today we had a podium and had a special result. It’s much easier when you are with a good team and people around you, and of course when you get the right material. Here [at Le Mans] you have to say it’s tough for GT2 competition and even if I was dreaming about a podium in my head I thought it was nearly impossible. But we had a good strategy and we knew we had good package in general with tires, car, and drivers as well. Absolutely no problems at all and could save time in pits and it’s a real team effort and especially here because all the pit stops were faultless.”
Tom Coronel – Snoras Spyker Squadron (Spyker C8 Laviolette) – 5th GT2
“This was a finish! If we would have crossed the line in 6th, 7th or 8th we would have done really well. Finishing in fifth almost feels like winning the race! As many say, we are fighting with the big guys. For a number of years now we have competed at Le Mans and one learns how to finish the job. The car was really great this year – we have not had the smallest of problems. Typically the weakest link breaks at Le Mans – at Spyker we did not have one today.”
Leo Mansell – Team Modena (Ferrari F430 GT) – 7th GT2
“I had no idea what it would be like before the race, just staying awake and keeping yourself pushing for 24-Hours is hard and for the car to be as reliable as it did is amazing. I have done as much driving as the rest of the season in one week and I was getting so much for feel for the car. It worked out really well at the end and I crossed the line with the leaders, I am not sure how happy they will be about it but it was good for us and a brilliant way to finish!”
Paul Drayson – Drayson Racing (Aston Martin Vantage) – Retired
“I am really pleased with what we achieved this weekend. The drivers didn’t make a single mistake and we ran with great pace. Dale and the team did a superb job and the race lived up to its fearsome reputation. Having now climbed the mountain that is the Le Mans 24 Hours, I can tell you the view is worth the effort.”
Raymond Narac – IMSA Performance Matmut (Porsche 997 GT3 RSR) – Retired
“The bitterness is stronger this time than last year. In 2008, we crashed with another car at the start, whereas this time we made absolutely no mistakes, from start to finish. Drivers, mechanics, engineers: not one of them has put a foot wrong! The clutch stopped working properly from around midnight onwards meaning we had to deal with it for all of the following stints. I am a trained mechanic and I knew that we could not last until the end running like that. During each stop, we had to put the gearbox in neutral and then brutally engage first to be able to start. Unquestionably we were going to have a problem. From midnight, we started to get delayed and in this type of situation, you have to take more risks, pushing the car harder and driving at the absolute limit. It is a massive disappointment for us as we really had the rhythm, the machine and the men to win this race.”
Marc Lieb – Felbermayr Proton (Porsche 997 GT3 RSR) – Retired
“Of course I’m very disappointed. But we are looking ahead and already looking forward to the next race in the Le Mans Series, where we want to extend our championship lead with another victory.”
Cécile Bonardel