Morand Racing finished 2013 European le Mans Series race on the second place in Paul Ricard, best result of the team after two third position podiums in Italy and Austria. In south France, teammates Natacha Gachnang and Christian Klien made their marks on the race. During first free practice session on Friday morning, Austrian driver made one of the fastest time. Saturday morning, Christian Klien set the 5th time synonymous of third row on the starting grid of the three hours race. During first laps, Christian Klien overtook the Oreca LMP2 of TDS Racing before overtaking cars of Jota and Murphy Prototypes. At the end of his stint and after a fautless pitstop, Christian Klien handed over to Natacha Gachnang. Back on track, swiss born driver showed everybody that she was ready to compete for overall victory.
Fighting for the leadership of the race, she made two great moves while overtaking GT and prototypes, both at the same time. One or two laps were missing at the end of the race to give Natacha Gachnang an opportunity to pass and take the lead. Under the chequered flag, duo Gachnang / Klien offer Morand Racing a third podium in 5 races and their best result in European Le Mans Series.
BENOIT MORAND – TEAM MANAGER « Tonight I am more than proud of the team. We knew that our Morgan LMP2 powered by Judd was fast in Le Castellet but what a joy to fight for overall victory in a propper manner. It’s an amazing result, the best result of our young structure. Christian and Natacha, both made a great job behind the wheel. Christian had one and a single order : doing his best on track and he perfectly replied to our request while overtaking high quality opponents. Natacha from her very first lap of her stint showed us that she was fighting for victory. She has made a fantastic race like all our team made no mystake during each pitstop and when taking crucial decision. »
JOE GENOUD – MANAGER « Seeing Christian then Natacha fighting amongst the front runners was such a strong feeling. Right after the start, Christian made great moves then Natacha made an unbelievable stint. Both made an amazing race like our crew. I would like to dedicate this podium to a cute angel gone too soon. »
NATACHA GACHNANG « Making such a great result is extremely positive for Christian like me and for all of us. On track, I have been able to enjoy laps and I was faster than most contenders. Fighting for an overall victory is a fantastic feeling, whole team did a fantastic job all season long
CHRISTIAN KLIEN « During qualification, I made my best but it was missing a little something, nothing huge but it’s the difference at the end. My goal during the race was clear and simple, pushing as hard as possible. Giving Natacha a car in good condition for her stint was my main goal and I managed to do it. I have been able to overtake 3 cars which is fine. Natacha made a sensationnal stint, she was so quick and efficient. Crew and engineers also made a faultless weekend. »