BES Paul Ricard preview - Driver quotes 26.06.2013: The Blancpain Endurance Series at the Circuit Paul Ricard this weekend Antoine Leclerc, ART Grand Prix McLaren MP4-12C (PRO)

The Blancpain Endurance Series  at the Circuit Paul Ricard this weekend


Antoine Leclerc, ART Grand Prix McLaren MP4-12C (PRO)

“We did a great test at Paul Ricard in March; the performance in the car was there for us. So, we arrive on a track that we know and in a confident mood. Our objective is definitely to be back at the front of the field, and if everybody does a good job, we are going to be on the podium!”



Franck Perera, PRO GT by Almeras Porsche 997 GT3 (PRO-AM)

I think this track suits the Porsche nicely, but not only the Porsche! For instance, I think Ferrari will be quite good at Ricard too. One of the big qualities of this series is that we often find all the manufacturers represented at the front.


Like at Silverstone, when there were five different brands on the first three rows of the grid! After the good results during the test days and a second position in GT Open last winter on this track, I can say that everyone at PRO GT by Almeras is really looking forward to the event.”



Frédéric Vervisch, Boutsen-Ginion McLaren MP4-12C (PRO-AM)

“I just hope we can drive the whole weekend! I also hope we will be able to gain some good speed but I don’t expect to be as fast as we were during the pre-season tests because you don’t know what the others were up to. We will do our best, we will do the maximum we can and I hope we can fight at the front, but not in the pack like in Monza.


“I also think that the weather will be quite hot, so it will be really different from the test days in terms of conditions and tyre-wear. Anyway, I am a positive person so I think we will do a good job at Paul Ricard.”


Rob Barff, Von Ryan McLaren MP4-12C (PRO-AM)

“I am looking forward to the weekend because I think the Von Ryan McLaren will be in good shape. Jordan (Groger) and Leon (Price) both had good solid races at Silverstone and we can use a lot of that momentum to achieve another positive result for the team.”



Pierre Hirschi, Sainteloc Racing Audi R8 LMS ultra (Gentlemen Trophy)

“We really hope that we will be able to get as close as possible to the podium. Obviously it will also depend on our third teammate that we will have. However, we have to be realistic, the main handicap of the Audi is power, and Paul Ricard is a demanding track for the engine, so it might be a bit difficult for us.”


Ahmad Al Harthy, ARC Bratislava Porsche 997 GT3 (Gentlemen Trophy)

“We are obviously on a high from Silverstone but we have to start afresh in a way for this weekend. It is a new challenge but I think we can be strong again because our car is good on the straights. It should be another great race as the competition is so fierce in the Gentlemen Trophy class.”
 


Sam Smith, photo SRO