What the LMGTE Drivers said on Sunday at COTA
Reactions from the LMGTE winners after the 6 Hours of COTA, 6th round of the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship.
James Calado – No.51 AF Corse Ferrari 488 GTE - 1st LMGTE Pro
“It was a great race and we came here with no real expectations. We realised after qualifying that we had a good strategy in mind and we delivered in the race. The battle with the sister car was intense all race and then we had the Porsche to fight with. The team did a brilliant job, especially when we got the puncture at the end and Alessandro had to really push. It was heart-stopping for a moment but we came through so we are absolutely delighted.”
Alessandro Pier Guidi – No.51 AF Corse Ferrari 488 GTE - 1st LMGTE Pro
“We did a nice job. It was not easy for everyone because of the conditions but we did good preparation work.
“I knew that the tyre had gone down as I could see from the read out. I had to decide if I drive safe or do I take some risk and go for the win. I decided to take the risk and go flat out. We deserved to win and we did a great strategy. In the end it worked and it paid off but it was a really small margin. Then I push and create a small gap.”
Pedro Lamy – No.98 Aston Martin Racing Vantage - 1st LMGTE Am
“After Free Practice and qualifying we thought we had a margin but today the track felt different and I think the increased heat didn’t help us a lot. We lost a lot of time but the team did a great job by changing the splitter so fast."
Paul Dalla Lana – No.98 Aston Martin Racing Vantage - 1st LMGTE Am
“In the end they came and apologised (Keita Sawa). [The contact with the Clearwater Racing Ferrari ] It was enough to break our diffusor off and it also put our power steering out so it was highly unenjoyable! It was good to get in the car in the second stint and really push and build the gap which ultimately got us there.”
