Following yesterday's two final qualifying sessions, here are the quotes from the drivers who claimed pole position for the 2013 24 Heures du Mans in all four classes.
LMP1
Loïc Duval, No.2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro: “Yesterday’s lap time was enough to defend the pole position. That’s why we scored a Championship point that may be decisive at the end of the year. It’s always better to start from the pole position even though that doesn’t really mean a lot at such a long race. Still, we’re happy about the top spot on the grid. Yesterday, we weren’t completely satisfied with the balance of our cars yet, but today the set-up was much better. As the track at the end was faster today than it was yesterday I was a bit worried that we might still lose the pole position. But in the end, we made it. Everything went according to plan. That’s why we’re very happy with the result.”
LMP2
Olivier Pla, No.24 OAK Racing Morgan-Nissan: “The car was really very well balanced and enjoyable to drive. I had a clear run and, as I felt good in the car, I was able to push. On paper, securing pole position for a 24 Hours race isn’t all that useful, but it’s just rewards for the entire team and it confirms that we’re in contention, as we saw on the Test Day. Of course, the race is a different matter altogether, but we have a car that is capable of doing well.”
LMGTE Pro
Fred Makowiecki, No.99 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE: “It’s a nice feeling because I waited a long time to work with Aston Martin Racing. For me it’s a great pleasure to get a good result for the team. It’s the first step towards winning the race this weekend.”
LMGTE Am
Allan Simonsen, No.95 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE: “It was tricky at the start with the changing conditions and it was a typical Le Mans last lap dash. To start the 24 Hours of Le Mans on pole is fantastic. We’re all looking forward to the race."
From team press releases
Photo: CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES (LE MANS, SARTHE), 24 HEURES DU MANS QUALIFYING, THURSDAY 20TH JUNE 2013. Audi Sport Team Joest's Loic Duval claimed overall pole position for the race.
