What The Drivers Said: Pre-Event Press Conference

Earl Bamber – no2 Cadillac Racing Cadillac V-Series.R

“It's nice to be here at our home race, to be back in America, then we've got a lot of support this weekend. It's always nice to be here with all the American fans; a lot of people come out. So, I think it's going to be a really big weekend. We've had good support from the O1 and Chip Ganassi guys when we managed to do a test here, so I think we got some really good information, and I think we're feeling relatively confident ahead of the weekend that we can put some something together for Cadillac and GM on their home turf.” 

“The track is definitely less bumpy, that's for sure, but it's just very, very low grip. It's very, very slippery at the moment, but I think it's definitely going to rubber in as the weekend goes on. So, we definitely see quite a lot of track evolution. The line is very narrow, little bit like the test day, so overtaking traffic and all that sort of stuff is going to make it very, very tricky, and it's going to be a big part of the race.”

Paul di Resta - no94 Peugeot TotalEnergies Peugeot 9X8

“I don't expect it's going to be a very easy weekend. I think where the other manufacturers are definitely the level is very high. We're still struggling to unleash the potential at this package that we've brought. We did do the test here some weeks back, so hopefully that helps us along the way.  But, we need to play to our strengths and at least in Brazil, we managed to, in the race, do something a bit different with strategy, and it brought us into it. 

“So, we expect to be a bit closer on Sunday, but at the same time, I think when you start just that little bit down, it's always hard to capitalize where you need to be in a super competitive championship.” 

“I think the tyre is always a critical part, because it's the way the car connects to the track, isn't it? All the energy you transfer through it. Given the driver confidence here with a new surface, it's obviously very different to what it was even four weeks ago, and how that develops will be key to where you set the car up, but it almost feels like not being here, you might have been better prepared, because I think you expect some different things, but throughout, you never know where the surprises and you know you can disregard some weather as well on Sunday which also might help.” 

Mike Conway – no7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota GR010-Hybrid

"In Interlagos we had an issue with the fuel pressure towards the end of my stint, and then we opted to change a part, which obviously lost us a bit of time. But that's kind of the way it goes, sometimes in endurance racing. We fought back pretty hard and got a top four position and that's good for points, especially in the manufacturers. 

“It’s good to be back here at Austin, it's a favourite circuit for sure.  Ten years ago, I made the first race here with Toyota and it was similar weather to what we're going to maybe have on Sunday, which is some random downpours and hot weather. It’s going to be challenging; it's already challenging anyway, this place quite physical.  I guess a bit less physical now with the smoother surface that we have, which has changed things. 

“It's going to be it's going to be tough, tough on tyres, tough on the car, and let's see what we can do. We’re maybe not the favourites coming in here, in terms of pace and stuff, but we'll do our best as always.” 

Ian James – no27 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3

“I've been in America for 30 years now, so this is definitely my home. Proud American and proud Brit, best of both worlds. 

“Our season's really been up and down. You know, we had some real highlights. Starting off the year on the podium in Qatar. Went upside down a little bit in Le Mans. bounced back and now we're just trying to see out the last three races and get back on the podium.

“We've shown a lot of potential. I think we've been in the fight most, most events, which is all you can ask for, and definitely looking forward to a home race for the team.” 

“We'll see what happens in the race with the Porsches.  They always drive around to pre described pace and then surprise everybody. So, we'll see.  We'll be giving it our best shot to try and go for the win, try and go for the podium and have fun come the race. 

“What I do love about WEC is I feel like every time we turn up, we’ve got a chance of winning.  Some great drivers are driving against great field, with many manufacturers. It's exciting times.” 

Daniel Juncadella – no82 TF Sport Corvette Z06 LMGT3 R

“It's my second time in Austin. I got to come here last year for my first ever test with the Corvette. Some pretty good memories and it's good to be racing here. 

“I think we don't have to be too carried away by results this year, especially in WEC. It's been clearly tough when you look at the results. But let's also not forget it's a brand new car, the CO6 GT3 R.  Considering how restrictive it is with testing in WEC, it's always hard to move forward in big steps. 

“This event is the first race we can really benefit from data from previous events in the GT World Challenge America, it was racing here a couple of months ago and they won both races. So, I think that gives us a bit of a head start, and already some performance and some interesting data we can gather. 

“It's always difficult to see when they're no results on the board, but I think the car is running very smoothly compared to beginning of the year.  I'm feeling good, feeling ready for the weekend.” 

Ben Keating – no88 Proton Competition Ford Mustang LMGT3

“I'm thrilled to be here. I was expecting to come as a spectator to, you know, harass all of my friends from the World Endurance Championship. I was delighted that it happened to be on a weekend that I did not have anything else going on, so I was planning to be here anyway.  

“Christian Ried, who I competed against for the last four years, is also a good friend. He called me and asked if I wanted to compete in the race, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. It's fun to be back in the series with these people. It's fun to be back at this particular track. I haven't raced here since 2019 but I've had a lot of a lot of success here. 

“I think that the Mustang has had quite a challenging year of development, first year for a brand new car, and so I have my expectations set very reasonably, I would say. 

“I just got about 15 minutes in the car at the end of that last session, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's my first time on the Goodyear Tyre, first time in the Mustang GT3 and I still have a lot to learn, but it's somewhat like an old glove. I felt like I was right at home.”