What the drivers say…
Nicolas Lapierre, Nr7 Toyota Racing Toyota TS030 – Hybrid:
“The performance is getting better all the time. We were struggling a little bit yesterday afternoon and this morning but now it seems we are on the right track and we’ve found some pace. The car is very good on tyres, we are setting very consistent times and we improved the lap time towards the end of the session, which is a very good sign for tomorrow.
“We are running some new parts and a new aero package; a lot of things have happened since Le Mans and I think the car should be reliable for the six hours. If we manage to go through to the end of the race without any technical difficulties and we have a good strategy I think we won’t be far from the highest spot of the podium.
“I’ve heard it will be dry for the race tomorrow and I hope it will be dry as we haven’t tested this aero package in wet conditions, so it will be easier if the weather stays dry for the race tomorrow.”
Danny Watts, Nr21 Strakka Racing HPD ARX 03a – Honda:
“First of all I’m very pleased to be on Privateer Pole Position, that was the main goal. It was a fraught 20-minute session with some parts of the track really dry and other parts really damp. Actually it dried very, very quickly, so I spent half the session on intermediates and then pitted for slicks. There was a little bit of traffic, but it was fine. I had a little spin on the inters at the last corner, but apart from that it went really well.
“As far as the weather goes I don’t think we mind if it’s wet or dry because Jonny (Kane) was fast in the wet at Spa, we’ve been very competitive in the dry here and in the damp the car felt good, so I think we can cope with whatever gets thrown at us tomorrow.”
Gianmaria Bruni, Nr51 AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia:
“It was good qualifying session, unfortunately I only managed to do two timed laps with slick tyres, but it was OK. We don’t have the option on the tyres, we don’t have intermediates, which in these conditions would’ve been better, but it is looking good for the race tomorrow and I am looking forward to it.
“The Porsche is good in these conditions and, for sure, they will also be strong in the race, but we have a very good car, a consistent car and I’m very happy looking towards the race tomorrow, I just hope it will be dry as in dry conditions we are looking very strong.”
Jeff Carter
Photo: TOWCESTER (NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, GREAT BRITAIN), SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT, 6 HOURS OF SILVERSTONE, SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH 2012, FREE PRACTICE.