LMGTE Pro Drivers on the race ahead in Shanghai

Who will be successful?  It’s too close to call, but here’s what some of the drivers have to say ahead of the race.

James Calado, AF Corse - No.51 Ferrari 488 GTE: “It’s good to have Corvette Racing there for an extra element of competition.  We know their racing reputation, something they’ve shown many times at Le Mans, and it will be exciting to have them in Shanghai.  It’s a good track, but not been a great one for Ferrari in previous years in terms of results…up until now.  We’re optimistic to get a good outcome, will stay positive and see where we can finish.”  

Oliver Gavin, Corvette Racing - No. 64 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R: “It’s fantastic to go to Shanghai and compete in the World Endurance Championship. The last time we saw most of those competitors was at Le Mans. We know it’s tight, it’s tough and very competitive so we’re looking forward to it; it’ll be great to see the challenge of the race in China. Whenever Corvette Racing goes anywhere, it’s to win. A victory would be very, very sweet.”

Harry Tincknell, Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK - No.67 Ford GT: “We have many good memories from Shanghai as we’re undefeated there. Last year was the toughest win of my career. It was a topsy-turvy race with lots of different tyre strategies going on; Andy had to make some great passes when he had the new tyres and I had to defend for my life, lap after lap, when I had the old tyres. I remember just taking it corner by corner, holding off the Porsche, counting down the laps until I could get on some fresh rubber. It was absolutely exhausting being attacked from all sides but that made it even sweeter when we took the win. We’re going for the threepeat this year!”

Nicky Catsburg, BMW Team MTEK - No.81 BMW M8 GTE: “I think it is great that Corvette is joining us in Shanghai - it will make an already ultra-competitive class even more competitive. They just won the IMSA championship in the US and, from what I remember from racing them in the States, it will not be easy to beat them in the WEC. But, we are very much up to the challenge, so bring it on!”

Gianmaria Bruni, Porsche GT Team - No.91 Porsche 911 RSR: "This is the last race of the 2018 year before the WEC Super Season continues next March in Sebring, USA. I always like going racing in Shanghai. The circuit is one of the best in the whole world. I'm looking forward to tackling the race with Richard in the Porsche 911 RSR at this special venue. I've always had a lot of positive experiences in China so I'm heading there feeling great." 

Marco Sørensen, Aston Martin Racing - No.95 Aston Martin Vantage: “I think Shanghai is going to be our turn now and it has to be. We are going to push like crazy to be where we need to be. And with Corvette, Aston Martin’s close rivals for so many years, joining the whole race it’s going to be amazing. The GTE class is definitely going to be the class to watch.” 

To see who won the GTE class in previous 6 Hours of Shanghai races, CLICK HERE for 2012-2014 and HERE for 2015-2017.