Allan McNish’s stand-out 2018 GTE performers
Heading into the second phase of the FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season we chatted to WEC TV commentator and expert summariser, Allan McNish, about who has so far impressed him on track.
The 2013 World Endurance Champion, respected for his analytical appraisals and reading of races, chose some standout performers in the LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am classes after the five races to date.
While acknowledging the fine job that all the drivers do in often treacherous and high-pressure conditions, McNish singled out some drivers that he considered to be at the top of their game in the highly competitive categories.
The GT World Endurance Champion will be the best of the best
“LMGTE Pro is such a competitive class it is quite hard to single out particular drivers because they are all so close,” said McNish.
“However, the guys that have caught my eye this season have shown they can do it, not only lap after lap, but also stint after stint and race after race without notable mistakes or poor decisions in traffic.
“You have to admire Nicki Thiim really, because he is just plain rapid. The guy is a massive asset to the Aston Martin Racing team and I think you have to place him at the top in terms of the lap times and the consistency he produces.”
The category’s points leaders too have impressed McNish as their consistently large points haul has given them a useful cushion heading into 2019.
“Kevin Estre has been a class act this year, you have to admire what he has achieved with that very strong partnership he has with Michael Christensen,” opined McNish.
“Kevin isn’t the Porsche junior anymore and I think he’s been the best he has ever been. Not the best he can be, because I still think he can get better still.
“It is also good to see Stefan Mücke and Olivier Pla getting some results too after a couple of indifferent and frustrating seasons.
The standout from among the GTE Ams
In the LMGTE Am category there are some seriously strong performers too. Each race victory is fought for tooth and nail and you get some excellent race-long battles.
The trio from Team Project 1 has combined well together for a debut season in the WEC and are now leading the points standing, and the seasoned Aston Martin Racing line up has been quietly consistent.
But there is one standout competitor as far as the former Audi Sport driver is concerned.
“Matteo Cairoli has shown he is an exciting young prospect and I think we are now seeing some performances which are undeniably great,” comments McNish.
“His name always pops up at the top of the times and he doesn’t seem to make many noticeable mistakes. I’ve been impressed with him in just about every department and he has certainly referenced his name for the future.”
