Comments of the Porsche drivers before 24H of Daytona
Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars: “Starting the season with a 24-classic like Daytona is a very special challenge for the teams and drivers. However, we are as well prepared as possible to lay the foundation for a successful year of motorsport in 2018 at this iconic race, which attracts fans from all over the world. As the most successful manufacturer in the history of this race, Porsche has enjoyed some of its biggest wins here. Continuing this run of unforgettable victories against such impressive opposition is a very strong motivation for the Porsche GT Team with the 911 RSR, as well as for our customer teams with the 911 GT3 R.”
Pascal Zurlinden, Director GT Factory Motorsports: “We have prepared well for the season-opener in Daytona. Even at the test, our drivers were able to take to the demanding track with another optimised set-up. After the long break from racing, we have also been able to run through the processes within the team under competitive conditions. Despite all the preparation, starting the season with a 24-hour race is still a huge challenge – but one we are looking forward to.”
Sebastian Golz, Project Manager 911 GT3 R: “After last year’s hard-fought win in the GTD class, our customer teams travel to Daytona with high expectations. We have developed an evolution package for the 911 GT3 R for them, which will be used for the first time in Daytona. The integration of flicks on the front axle allows a more stable aerodynamic balance in the set-up. The modified air routing in the engine hood ensures better heat management within the powertrain at high temperatures.”
Patrick Pilet (911 RSR #911): “It is always important to get the season off to a good start. Particularly when the race is a classic, like Daytona. Victory against strong opposition and the top drivers from a wide range of racing series is the best possible reward for all the work that the team and driver have invested in preparations over the winter – and an incredible boost for the rest of the season. We were runner-up last year. This time, we are looking to go one better.”
Nick Tandy (911 RSR #911): “I enjoy being back in the USA. Some of my biggest successes have come here with the 911 RSR. Daytona is a great race and the start of a season, which we go into with very high expectations. Victory in Daytona is also always a big statement to the opposition. Even with the best possible preparation, it is never easy to win at this demanding circuit. We will do our best.”
Frédéric Makowiecki (911 RSR #911): “A 24-hour race is always rather special. It is a highlight for drivers and fans alike – exciting, exhausting, and sometimes a bit crazy. Daytona is a real classic, one of those races that every racing driver would like to win at some point in their career. We certainly have a good chance with the 911 RSR. We are hungry to take that chance.”
Earl Bamber (911 RSR #912): “It is fantastic to be back in the USA with Porsche. I have had a very good and successful time here in the past. Daytona is one of the most famous races in the world, an exciting start to the season, at which everyone must reveal their cards. I am looking forward to driving with Laurens for the first time this season. We have had some fierce battles as rivals in Macau and Sepang. I am sure we can achieve great things this season as team-mates in the 911 RSR and with a strong team behind us. It would be nice to start with a win in Daytona.”
Laurens Vanthoor (911 RSR #912): “When I came to Daytona for the first time last year, I was like a kid on his first day at school. I did not know the circuit, the race or the IMSA SportsCar Championship. That is all different now. I know what it takes to be among the front-runners in races in this fiercely-competitive championship. I hope, with this experience, that we can put ourselves in a good position in the title race in Daytona.”
Gianmaria Bruni (911 RSR #912): “Daytona is always one of the biggest challenges in our sport. I am looking forward to competing at this endurance classic as a Porsche works driver for the first time. There is a lot of responsibility, given the countless successes that Porsche has achieved in Daytona. We did some very good testing with the 911 RSR here, and I can hardly wait for the race to get started.”
Patrick Long (911 GT3 R #58): “I won the World Challenge with Wright Motorsports in 2017. I now hope that, with my experience, I can help the team to a good result in Daytona too. You cannot afford to get caught up in battles for position in this race. Sometimes, you have to take a step back and look after your car. It is important to be well placed as the race enters the final few hours and victory is at stake.”
Mathieu Jaminet (911 GT3 R #58): “I am looking forward to my first Daytona. This race is something very special. I familiarised myself with the demanding track at the test. I have been made to feel very welcome by the Wright Motorsports team and my team-mates. Patrick Long, in particular, knows Daytona like the back of his hand. He has given me a few valuable tips.”
Sven Müller (911 GT3 R #59): “Last year, I drove my first race as a Porsche works driver in Daytona. That was a very emotional moment for me. I am pleased to be returning with Manthey-Racing again. We were very good and quick with our 911 GT3 R at the test. I hope we can back up that good performance in the race itself.”
Matteo Cairoli (911 GT3 R #59): “This race, which I drove in for the first time in 2017, possesses an incredible fascination. What goes on here all week, both on and off the track, is as exciting for a young racing driver as the first visit to Disney World. We have prepared well with Manthey-Racing. I can hardly wait to finally get going.”
Jörg Bergmeister (911 GT3 R #73): “Only those who are among the front-runners at the season-opener in Daytona will have a chance of winning the championship against such strong opposition. However, that will not be easy. This race has been, and remains, one of the really big challenges in our sport. I have won it three times, but still look forward to it every year. The fascination is unique.”
