Quotes after the race at Monza

Dr Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "The race was a real thriller. In terms of pure lap speed, as had been the case in practice as well, we had a slight disadvantage. Thanks to the pit crews working swiftly, a very good strategy and the lower fuel consumption of our TDI engine, we always managed to get within striking distance of the Peugeots. Ten laps before race end, we were leading before the collision occurred between the two cars fighting for victory. This robbed us of the possibility to win. Considering that this car had to start from the pit lane and was even leading the field up until the dying laps of the race it is clear that our performance on the whole was good. We were able to put pressure on our rivals but, unfortunately, the tables turned against just before the end. We take a little consolation from the fact that we’re now leading the drivers’ standings – with the car driven by our two youngsters. That’s a great achievement. Unfortunately, car #1 was involved in an accident at a very early stage and lost time in the pit lane. Still, it was able to make up ground, improving to sixth place. That was a great feat as well.”

Dindo Capello (Audi R10 TDI #1): "Regarding my accident, I was on the straight before Parabolica. There were three cars i front of me. I overtook the second car and then suddenly found the car in front of me going slowly. I went to the right, otherwise I would have crashed into this car. Unfortunately Vanina Ickx was there and we sligthly touched. The car went on one side then went on the grass before flying through the air. It was probably one of the biggest impacts I’ve had. I was lucky. The mechanics and the team did a fantastic job - a lesson for the other teams. We recovered with Allan and I setting very fast lap times. It was a shame to lose fifth position because of a puncture just on the lap the pace car switched off the lights.”

Allan McNish (Audi R10 TDI #1): "Unfortunately we were again on a recovery drive and I’m especially disappointed because we had a car to win this race although on sheer pace, we’re quite a long way from where we need to be. Audi Sport Team Joest did a superb job after Dindo’s accident in repairing our extensively damaged R10 TDI in record-breaking time which allowed us to set competitive times for the remainder of the race. My thoughts are with Stéphane (Ortelli) who barrel-rolled through the air across the nose of my car. It was a shocking accident – a very frightening sight – and I wish him a quick and full recovery.”

The result at Monza

1 Lamy/Sarrazin (Peugeot) 173 laps in 4h 59m 07.955s
2 Prémat/Rockenfeller (Audi R10 TDI) + 47.672s
3 Primat/Tinseau (Pescarolo-Judd) - 4 laps
4 Kerr/Jouanny/Hall (Creation-Aim) - 4 laps
5 Gené/Minassian (Peugeot) - 6 laps
6 Capello/McNish (Audi R10 TDI) - 7 laps
7 Tappy/Ickx/Short (Pescarolo-Judd) - 7 laps
8 Elgaard/Nielsen (Porsche) - 8 laps
9 Verstappen/van Merksteijn (Porsche) - 8 laps
10 Lienhard/Theys (Porsche) - 9 laps

Dindo Capello was not injured in the accident. Yet again the Audi R10 TDI’s robustness was proved: within only fourteen and a half minutes, the heavily damaged vehicle was repaired by Audi Sport Team Joest. From 42nd place, Capello/McNish recovered to fifth. Just a few minutes before the race was over, a puncture caused them to drop to sixth position.