The Toyota driver gave an update before the race..

Stéphane Sarrazin is still chasing his first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but set the pole position time in 2007, 2008 and 2009. With Toyota, he has a real chance to achieve its goal ... as long as he can beat Audi! So where does the Japanese marque measure-up against its German rival, winners eleven times in La Sarthe? At the the 6 Hours of Silverstone WEC, we should get a tentative idea.

Where is Toyota versus Audi?

Stéphane Sarrazin: “Since the beginning of the weekend, the weather conditions have been constantly changing. Whenever the track starts to dry, a shower falls on the circuit. At no time have Audi and Toyota run simultaneously with the same tires. It is impossible to know where we are. On a dry track, it seems that we are slightly faster. It will be tight. To win, we'll just have to fuel and change tyres.”

And your mechanics are they fast in this area?
“The team has progressed well this winter in the wheel changes.”

 

In traffic, the Audi drivers have an asset with their video monitors. What do you think?
“Their system seems to be very interesting. It is true that we are disadvantaged by the amount of the windscreen, but I'm used to it. At Le Mans, we have the new car in which the seat is repositioned to provide better visibility. We'll see what comes of it.”

And is the new car a big improvement?
“It gives more confidence ... I like it a lot!”

Some suspect you are sandbagging before Le Mans ... What do you say?
“This is false ... There is a race to win, there is a championship to win. No, no easing up, not even Audi.”

Outside the 24 Hours of Le Mans, what is your sports programme this year?
“Between the WEC, the Grand Am and a few rallies, I have a twenty races for my weekends!”

And you want more?
“I'd like to do Pikes Peak as Sébastien Loeb. I tried the electric car that Toyota has set a new record last year This is impressive. We hear only the sounds of friction. Le Castellet, this little proto laps twenty seconds from LM P1, which is not ridiculous.”

Julien HERGAULT / ACO

Photo : Toyota Hybrid Racing