WEC Bahrain: Audi Sport quotes

Dieter Gass (Deputy Head of Audi Motorsport): “The race started well for Audi. Up to the second third of the race, we were battling for victory but, unfortunately, not everything went perfectly afterwards. During a pit stop of car number ‘7,’ we had a problem with a wheel nut on the right rear and had to pit again. That was a real shame because we were on the same level with the competition. Obviously, we’d have liked to win. In the end, we had to admit defeat in the closest title decision in WEC history.”

Chris Reinke (Head of LMP at Audi Sport): “We saw a spectacular race at the end of a nice season. The competition was on a very high level and we were battling for the title up to the end. We showed a very good performance level and improved again towards the end. The race in Bahrain was marked by maximum intensity and drama. It was perfect advertising for the FIA WEC. During the winter, we’re going to up the ante in order to be in a promising position again next year.”

Ralf Jüttner (Team Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “Congratulations to Porsche on winning both world championship titles. In Bahrain, we saw a race that was very worthy of a world championship. We came relatively close to the title, but at a final pit stop a small mistake was made so that we had to pit again. Our number ‘8’ car was running really well in the race until we encountered a brake problem. The 2015 season was very rough and thrilling. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite make it.”

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #7): “Our race started strong. Unfortunately, front tire grip wasn’t perfect at the beginning. But as the race went on, we stayed within striking distance. André Lotterer was in the car for a long time and put a lot of pressure on our rivals, that was awesome. We can be proud of the season and of the eight podium results in succession. We were leading the championship for a long time. The season was a lot of fun and the Audi R18 e-tron quattro is a tremendous car. All the people in Neuburg and Neckarsulm did a great job and we’re determined to take this momentum into the next season.”

André Lotterer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #7): “Today, we were finally in contention for victory again.That was a great feeling. But in the second half of the race, Porsche countered, plus one of our pit stops wasn’t perfect. We had hopes of clinching the title some of the time, but it wasn’t quite enough. This winter, we’re going to give everything to be even stronger in 2016.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #7): “That was an absolutely thrilling race.For an amazing third time now,André, Marcel and I are the runners-up in the world championship after winning the WEC title in 2012. We can be proud of such a track record. A big thank you goes to my teammates and to the whole squad that have  played their part in our success of finishing each race on the podium. We battled up to the very end.”

Lucas di Grassi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #8): “The race reflected our season. Our potential was good, but we were lacking the necessary fortune. ‘Thank you’ to my teammates, our pace was good this weekend. Unfortunately, we lost ground due to some issues and a penalty so that an initially promising race turned into a disappointment and we weren’t able to battle for a good result for Audi anymore.”

Loïc Duval (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #8): “The last race was typical for2015. We were fast, but there were some setbacks as well. That was a shame on a weekend that presented us with a few opportunities. Now, we’re looking ahead to the 2016 season and are going to optimally prepare in winter. We had a lot of misfortune this year, so we’re hoping for the next season to be all the better.”

Oliver Jarvis (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #8): “For the first time in a while we were fast enough today to actually challenge Porsche. Unfortunately, there was an issue that got in the way. Congratulations to Porsche on their deserved title win of the drivers’ and the manufacturers’ championship. We’re going to work even more meticulously in order to be stronger than ever before. Next year, we’d like to be in contention at the very front right from the beginning.”