24h Le Mans
During our live Q&A session yesterday, three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer was asked about the first of the three wins in 2011, his relationship with teammates Benoît Tréluyer and Marcel Fässler and the Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans on 13 and 14 June.
“It was an epic race, the one that really stands out. It was my first win, for a start. The race itself was enthralling from beginning to end. Early on, we found ourselves the only Audi still left as Allan McNish and Mike Rockenfeller both crashed. Between us and the Peugeot 908s it was really tight. We took turns in the lead and we drove flat out for stint after stint - we even quintupled and did 750km with the same set of tyres. We kept the pressure on the whole time, totally focussed on the battle. That win is special to me, it was a great accomplishment for Audi, for the team and for me personally. Our lives changed that day.”
“It’s a fantastic idea. Lots of drivers have entered. It’s going to be the biggest ever esport race. I’d like to do it. It’s great to share your passion with people who don’t practice the sport in real life.
This is the next best thing. As drivers, we work on simulators a lot. That’s how we train. You have to concentrate as hard as when you’re on the track. You can improve your handling of certain corners and get to know circuits.”
“It’s natural. Benoît and I hit it off on the first day we met. That was back in February 2003 at a Formula Nippon test. We were rivals on track but in private there was no rivalry. We were really lucky to join Audi at the same time and Marcel came a bit later. Everyone knows Marcel. He’s got such a sunny personality. He’s a great guy. We’re different but we have the same approach to life, the same joie de vivre. We knew how lucky we were. We could be serious one minute and roll about laughing the next. It was awesome really. We were living the dream and we had the time of our lives.”
“It’s good news because many American teams are eager to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, just like European teams are attracted by the 24 Hours of Daytona. It’s great for endurance racing and a good sign for the future."
“I love most of it, but I really enjoy the Drivers Parade. It’s unique. It’s not done anywhere else. There’s so much enthusiasm. We feel like film stars, like heroes. The other moment I really savour is the first day at the track. We only go once a year so when you arrive it sends shivers down your spine. You really feel the weight of the history. It’s in the air.”
“There are several. When I started karting in 1989, it was Ayrton Senna who inspired me. I’ve always looked up to Tom Kristensen. Especially when he was in Japan. Like him, I achieved my life goal of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And I’m a great fan of Jacky Ickx. He’s a living legend and I’m lucky to be able to rub shoulders with him.”
“Dr Ullrich is an icon of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and of motor racing in general. What he did at Audi Sport was unique. He was so genuinely caring and that’s something you don’t often see in high performance sport. That was his strength. He got the best out of everyone. It was like being at home. He was so approachable. His charisma is outstanding. He called me to ask how I was doing during lockdown. That’s an amazing thing to do.”
“They’re both very good cars. Similar yet different. The Audi was a diesel and the Porsche petrol. The Porsche had better acceleration and was faster on the straights. It was very powerful. On the corners, the Audi was easier to handle, more direct. They demanded a different driving style.”
“2011 again. The last stint was 3 hours 45 minutes long. It had started raining but not enough to put wets on. The car was difficult to drive but I had to keep pushing. I had a few near misses but by some miracle, I always managed to steer my way out. It was pretty hair-raising.”
“Without them, we couldn’t do any of it. They’re incredible. They’re the biggest fans of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Always there to help us. They’re volunteers and they come back year after year, many to the same spot. We share the same passion. A big shout out to them and I’m looking forward to seeing them soon.”
Watch the whole interview live on the 24 Hours of Le Mans Instagram account.
