What the Drivers said at Spa after FP1
This is what some of the WEC drivers had to say between Thursday's first two free practice sessions at Spa-Francorchamps.
Andre Lotterer – No.1 Porsche 919 Hybrid, Porsche LMP Team
“The car felt not too bad in FP1 this morning. In fact I think we might actually be able to take some downforce off it because in sector two we look good and we are lacking a bit in sector one and sector three. We are analysing now what will be best.”
Nicolas Lapierre – No.9 Toyota TS050 HYBRID, Toyota Gazoo Racing
“I am very happy to be back in the LMP1, we kind of have an unfinished story so we will start from a good position as the car looks good and feels good from all the testing we have done so far.
“This race will be more like a training exercise for us because our target is really Le Mans for this car. We want to race this car before Le Mans as it is very important for us. The drivers need to get some experience of this package and it is important to get some data. Maybe it is not the most efficient package here but we will see where we are on Saturday.”
Thomas Laurent – No.38 ORECA 07 Gibson, Jackie Chan DC Racing
“Silverstone was a very good weekend for us, we didn’t expect this before the Sunday but the team did a good job and here were are. We will keep pushing here at Spa.
“When I arrived in Monza for the first test I went for lunch and saw a lot of the big drivers and I as like ‘wow I am not in the right place’! So I am really proud to be in the FIA WEC here this year.”
Nicolas Prost – No.31 ORECA 07 Gibson, Vaillante Rebellion
“The cars feel quite close to the LMP1 cars that we had in 2014 and for sure they have improved the cars are lot. It is really a great category to be racing in with a lot of good teams and good drivers so it is really nice to be in this championship at the moment.
(On Michel Vaillant) “Michel Vaillant in France is a big name in motorsport and a big name in racing history. To be racing in these colours will be fantastic and for me who grew up reading the comic books and watching the movie it is great. I used to read about my father (Alain) in it but I was not happy as he was not always winning.”
Kevin Estre – No.92 Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche GT Team
“Silverstone was quite a good start for our new car in the WEC. We are still learning but in terms of performance and on the long runs we were right there and the sister car finished P3.
“This year in WEC there is the different regulation with tyres which is unlike other championships. So with four sets of tyres for the whole race. It is a big key to whether you have success or not and Spa is tough for the tyres so it will be a lot of work for every GT team. so far we have done a good job but there are still some good practice laps to come.”
Mathias Lauda – No.98 Aston Martin Vantage, Aston Martin Racing
“Silverstone was a crazy race with three cars going in to the last lap with a chance of victory. We ended up second but it was hard as we led a lot of the race so to lose it so close to the end is bitter.
“We scored good points for P2 and we also got pole position and a point so we really have to look for the championship but after two years of being close to the championship and having most wins in the season we have to be smart and try to finish every race.”
