FIA WEC – Audi keeps title race open for WEC finale

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “In constant rain, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro was completely in its element and our drivers achieved good lap times. But our drivers were strong on a dry track too. When we were running on new tires and Porsche on used ones, a full-course yellow period came. So, in the last half hour, we weren’t able to attack again as planned. I don’t know if the result would have changed, but it would have been a lot closer. We were in contention and managed setting the fastest race lap. Some of the time, we were even running in positions one and two. The four best cars were within twelve seconds of each other shortly before the race’s midpoint – that shows how close and thrilling the race was for the spectators. We congratulate Porsche on winning the manufacturers’ world championship and will obviously be giving everything to decide the drivers’ classification in our favor.” Chris Reinke (Head of LMP at Audi Sport): “We saw a tremendous race. On a wet track, a spectacular battle ensued. When the track began to dry, the relative strengths shifted a little. Not least thanks to a bold tire strategy, we were battling for second place up until the end but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. Sincere congratulations to our challengers Porsche, who not only deserved winning the race but the manufacturers’ world championship as well.” Ralf Jüttner (Team Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “The results are not the ones we were hoping for.In difficult weather conditions, we showed that we’re able to lead the race but in the end, Porsche were in front again. We opted for a bold strategy and switched to slicks early. As a result, our cars were faster and Porsche were forced to switch early as well. That’s why our opponents had to pit for another splash-and-dash at the end, and the outcome of the race remained open for a little longer. Our cars were running impeccably and the pit stops were outstanding. Congratulations to Porsche on winning the manufacturers’ world championship, but the drivers’ world championship is still open. We’re going to battle until the end.” Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #7): “As before at Fuji, we had good chances against Porsche in the rain, but as soon as it started to dry off, our rivals were faster again. So, we always had to take some risks. And because we’re always forced to pit a little earlier than our opponents we have a disadvantage in that the others always get to see what we’re doing first and can then react accordingly.” André Lotterer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #7): “We’re stuck in third place at the moment, although we were running in front some of the time. Even second place was within reach at the end. But it wasn’t quite enough – not least because we changed tires at each stop and Porsche didn’t. So far, we’ve mounted the podium in all the races. We’re not going to give up as long as there’s still a chance of clinching the drivers’ title.” Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #7): “We worked hard the whole weekend and achieved a good set-up for our race car. We drivers gave our all. The conditions in the rain were tough, but this challenging task was a lot of fun too. As a driver, you can show your qualities particularly well in such circumstances. We remain optimistic because anything’s possible up to the last lap of the last race.” Lucas di Grassi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #8): “The race reminded me a lot of our showing at Fuji. We made no mistakes, had a good strategy and the guys delivered excellent pit stops – we can be pleased with that. But our lap times weren’t good enough, and that’s disappointing. We weren’t able to achieve more than positions three and four for Audi. But our goal remains to be in contention for victory. So, we need to clearly improve.” Loïc Duval (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #8): “Our race was good. In difficult conditions, we made exactly the right tire choice twice, and a lot of other things went well too. However, we weren’t fast enough to finish on the podium. Our congratulations today go to Porsche on winning the championship. In Bahrain, we’re going to try everything that’s still possible in the drivers’ classification.” Oliver Jarvis (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #8): “For the second consecutive time I drove the race start, and for the second time it was raining. The early stage was impeccable and the pace was good. Lucas took over the car in second place and subsequently led the race for a short time. When the track started drying off, Porsche were faster again. As a team, we showed our capacity to perform and our strategy was good. Even though we missed the podium, there’s no reason to criticize our performance.”