What the Drivers said after Qualifying

Brendon Hartley – Team Porsche 919 Hybrid

“That’s the first point on the board for the #1 car, so our title defence starts here. We’re surprised by the gap to be honest. I think all the drivers are happy to be driving in these sunny conditions, although the track temps are higher than we expected so everyone is fighting their car a little bit.”

Kazuki Nakajima – Toyota GAZOO Racing No.5 Toyota TS 050 HYBRID

“The car was strong and the lap time was very close to third position. We have made a real improvement in terms of car set-up and I am happy with that; it was very nice to drive. We need to look at the little details where we can find more lap time for tomorrow. I hope to have a clean race so we can show what we can do.”

Roman Rusinov- G-Drive Racing No.26 ORECA 05-Nissan

"Last year we did a very good job with the Ligier. Even if this weekend we are much better, we could see that the Ligier won the first race at Silverstone. Today René did a fantastic job. I think it’s very important for us to try to finish without any mistakes and crashes because we have the pace. The car is very good, the team is doing a great job. Here the key factor will be the management of the tyres. But it’s a six hours race, everything can happen. Maybe on the paper we have a better chance as at Silverstone but we finished second. Let’s just focus on our job. "

Nelson Panciatici – Signatech Alpine A460-Nissan

"We did some good testing, we have a great race pace and the progress on tyre wear is ok. On raceday we'll have to be careful with the tyres, it will not be easy because it will be hot. The key will be to manage the tyres well, not to do too much especially at the beginning of a stint so as not to damage the tyres. It'll be managing the aspects all through the race. "

Loic Duval – Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R18

"It went pretty well, we did not have any particular problems which were important. We could try for the third place on the grid but we had a different strategy than Toyota which used two sets of tyres.

"It will be our job to recover this advantage during the race. We have some problems with the overall grip of the track, and then we also have less downforce that is penalising us. The big question will be about the double stints, how the car will behave and when to make a stop. We always take a lot of fun to come here at Spa-Francorchamps. The weekend should be a success; all the conditions are there for a good race. We will do the maximum to have fun in the car but also to give some for fans. "

Sam Bird – AF Corse Ferrari 488GTE

“It’s definitely tighter than Silverstone. The Fords are quick in a straight line and the Astons are good in sectors one and three. We have the 51 right beside us too and we know how quick they are. I have to say being a rookie in GTs here yesterday was an eye-opener.”