ELMS - Reactions after the 4 Hours of Monza
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ELMS - Reactions after the 4 Hours of Monza

The 4 Hours of Monza was breathtaking and climaxed with a different set of winners than the opening round at Silverstone in the U.K. a month ago. Here are some of the post-race reactions from major players in the race, most of which will be on the starting grid at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 17th.

Memo Rojas (#22 Oreca 07-Gibson, winner): "The team did fantastic work. We all saw what happened at Silverstone, especially with the tires, which cost us the win. We worked on it, and on the set-up of the car as well in order to be able to save the tires a bit more. I am really pleased...my teammates, G-Drive Racing and DragonSpeed did exemplary work. The car is really great and that allowed us to overcome various obstacles at the end of the race that were unexpected (referring to a drive-through, Ed.). To reach the top step on the podium for the first time in the ELMS is truly astounding for me. And it's also great preparation for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans."

Nicolas Lapierre (#21 Oreca 07-Gibson, second): "First of all, I'd like to congratulate G-Drive Racing and DragonSpeed since I've been a part of this LMP2 program since the beginning. I have to say that after a year and a half, to achieve a one-two in the ELMS is a superb result. It's the best preparation they could have heading into the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I am disappointed not to do Le Mans with them, but I know they will perform well. Here, at Monza, we did a great race, with good strategy and zero mistakes on the track. The car was fast, we battled well with Graff Racing early in the race. We managed to overtake the car and then my teammates put in a great effort." 

Anders Fjordbach (#49 Dallara P217, third): "We didn't necessarily expect this level of result when we entered the series. I am truly proud of what we're doing and our level of performance is really good. The team's strategy is top-notch, but unfortunately I had to give up my second position at the end of the race. The tires were done in, 54 laps in, I knew I had to fight for my spot, and it just wasn't doable."

Ricky Capo (Norma M30, winner in LMP3): "I was careful in the first turn after the start because it's where you go into first gear with all the other LMP3s and GTEs behind you. I managed to hold onto third position until I lost a spot, but I still dealt with the pressure. I just focused on the effort at hand, in other words speed and consistency. We were a driver line-up of only two today (Yann Erhlacher having been recruited for the WTCC Budapest round, Ed.), so I drove for two hours. Consistency was really the key today. We are really happy with this win because the last time we came here for the official testing sessions we had a big incident. So to return a few months later and win is just outstanding for Norma and Yvan Muller Racing." 

Jonathan Cocker (Ferrari F458 Italia, winner in LMGTE): "I really want to thank JMW Motorsport. As you know, I have taken the wheel quite a lot for this team and was even ELMS champion in 2012 with the outfit. Ten days ago, Jim asked me if I was available to do the Monza race and of course I did everything I could to be available. I didn't expect this level of result I have to admit. The Ferrari F458 Italia is an incredible car, it's a real fairy tale to win with it just prior to its being replaced by the 488 GTE. What happened today is truly incredible. Everyone in the team and my teammates have done excellent work."

Photo (Copyright - Pascal Saivet/VSA): The High Class team's #49 Dallara P217 once again claimed the third step on the podium with at the wheel Anders Fjordbach and Dennis Andersen. 

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