For the finale of the ELMS, the championship was welcomed on a track on which the Thiriet by TDS Racing team was successful in the past, the Estoril track (Portugal). The first day devoted to free practices went very well with the fastest time set during the second free practice! The next day, Tristan Gommendy set the second fastest time at the qualifying session which allows the Ligier JS P2 to be on the front row of the grid.
Pierre Thiriet was in charge of the start. Starting from the dirty side of the track, he turned 3rd at the first corner and fought all throughout his stint to keep the pace. Setting lap times similar to the professional drivers’ ones, he kept contact with the fastest cars. After 50 minutes, after having taken the lead, he handed over to Tristan who went back 4th on the track.
After two or three laps to evaluate the traffic, Tristan moved to a “full attack “mode. He grabbed the third place and no one seemed to have the same pace as him. He set the fastest time, so he caught up with his opponents, took the lead and finished his first stint with eight seconds ahead.
Unfortunately, some smoke appeared at the rear of the car. After giving the wheel to Ludovic Badey, this latter had to go back to the pits one lap later. The verdict was quickly announced: an oil leak. The car had to retire from the race.
Undergoing bad luck, the Thiriet by TDS Racing team has shown its seriousness and know-how throughout the season. The whole team as well as the drivers did an amazing job but mechanical issues spoiled this 2014 season which had perfectly begun with the victory at Silverstone. Now, the team is going to turn towards 2015 and define its future sporting plans!
Pierre Thiriet : «I started pretty well but I lost one place because I was on the wrong side of the track. Then, I succeeded in maintaining a good pace even if the tires were deteriorating quickly. At mid-stint, I did a small mistake in the traffic which made me waste a bit of time and some places. But I managed to go back…
It was not easy to manage in the car, it was so hot inside. The pit stop went well, and then Tristan did a great stint, taking the lead of the race in an amazing way. The following part of the race was determined by a mechanical issue. Whether it is the team or the drivers, everyone did a great job all throughout the weekend. We are just victims of the mechanics.
If I had to draw a report of 2014, I would say that fortunately, there was the 24 Hours of Le Mans race because the season was rather bad. Everyone did a great job among the TDS Racing team. We don’t have any regrets; we gave our best by being fully involved in the project. It did not work out, that’s all!”
Ludovic Badey : « The season was good thanks to the results of the 24 Hours of le Mans. Then, the rest of the season, we have shown we were present in terms of performance on every track. We had some mechanical issues but the team has shown it was able to react with a brand new car
It was my first season in prototypes. Since Le Mans, I have found my own pace and today, I don’t ask myself questions anymore. It has become more natural and I enjoyed a lot this season. I have shown I have my place in prototypes and I hope that next year will be better!
The LMP2 category is something I can’t make do! If I had to choose between the GT and LMP, I would stop the GT because the feelings are so different.”
Tristan Gommendy: «I started a bit more safely in my stint as I was requested regarding the tires. The car was good and once I felt well into the traffic after two or three laps I attacked. I took some risks and accelerated when I was told I was 20 seconds behind the leader. But the breakdown we had can perfectly sum up the season!
The TDS Racing team has never had so many retirements since its creation. It is a pity because nobody can be blamed throughout the season which is so unusual in a team. We could have won all the races of the championship.
Now, we have to analyze and put things in perspective regarding this situation! From the sporting point of view, the team and the drivers were perfect. We have to draw the conclusions in order to build something for 2015 to catch the title, whatever the championship!”