You experienced a turbulent weekend in the Audi R8 LMS Cup at Shanghai. In the first race, you retired through no fault of your own and in the second race you recovered and finished at the far front of the field.
Rahel Frey : « It’s true that I experienced all the highs and lows. I started from position six when a rival unfortunately hit my car and I was forced to retire. The rear diffusor and other components were destroyed. That was unnecessary. In the second race, I had nothing to lose, so I set up the car aggressively, started in twelfth place and pushed forward. In the final stage, I battled for victory with Alex Yoong. That was really thrilling. I didn’t expect Marchy Lee to still have a final push-to-pass reserve. As a result, he overtook me. But the race will remain one of my personal highlights in this season. »
In third place of the standings, you’re one of four people who will be battling for the title in the finale. What chances are you expecting to have?
Rahel Frey : « I’ve got a 35-point deficit, which means that my chances tend to me more mathematical than realistic. This year, it’s not enough to regularly score points at the front of the field. You’ve also got to win. I was the runner-up three times in this season. 18 points are awarded for this position each time but a victory, with 25 points, is rated clearly higher, so consistency alone is not enough. Of course, I’m going to give everything in the finale in spite of this. »
Beyond the Audi R8 LMS Cup, you contested many other races with Audi this year. What were the greatest moments for you?
Rahel Frey : « I competed in the ADAC GT Masters together with Yaco Racing and Philip Geipel. We consistently made further strides with the team. At Zandvoort, we managed to deliver a strong performance in a wet race and at the Slovakiaring qualifying was superb. In its home race at the Sachsenring, the team took positions five and four with Markus Winkelhock and Philip Geipel. For me, the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring with the Audi race experience was obviously a special experience too. In addition, I contested the Blancpain 1,000 at the Nürburgring, sharing the cockpit with Nico Müller and the former ski racer Didier Cuchet. Didier is a sportsman through and through and a great personality. I’ve experienced a tremendous season with Audi so far and am already very much looking forward to the finale in the Audi R8 LMS Cup in Abu Dhabi on December 12 und 13. The track is new for almost all the Cup participants. »
© Audi Sport
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