Audi stronger operationally than rivals, says Pirro
Five-time Le Mans 24 Hours champion Emanuele Pirro expects Audi to hold an advantage in the race in strategy and teamwork despite a subdued qualifying showing.
#7 Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R18: Marcel Fassler, Andre Lotterer, Benoit Tréluyer
Eric Gilbert
The Italian, who won at La Sarthe in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2007, told Motorsport.com that the preparation and adaptability of Audi at Le Mans could have a significant bearing in who wins the 84th running of the French endurance classic.
“In human terms – the crews, management and drivers – Audi holds an advantage, and I say this with all respect to the opposition, who are also top class,” Pirro said.
“But I think the advantages come for Audi from not only experience but also the environment the team operates in. I am talking about the really healthy interaction between drivers and engineers from an operational point of view.
"Some teams can put pressure on drivers and this in the long run can be unhealthy. All this will help massively at a race like this.”
Pirro also believes that the changeable conditions will be trickier for the current generation of drivers compared to his experiences at Le Mans in the past.
“In my time racing here there were very different levels of downforce and grip with the bodywork and are being quite basic compared to now,” said Pirro.
“We had the option of changing to higher downforce bodywork during the race week and race itself but now you don’t have that option.
"This weekend is that halfway weather when it is wet one minute and dry the next. Any driver will tell you this is the nightmare condition.
"When it is wet consistently driving is fun but when it changes so much it is hard and many things can be out of your control. I think it will be like this in the race here this weekend, certainly until Sunday morning.”
Better weather warnings
Teams and drivers now have better warning systems for when showers are approaching, utilising their own meteorologists and also spotters out on the circuit.
“The days of getting caught by the rain like 2001 [when multiple collisions were triggered by a localised shower at Arnage/Porsche Curves] are mostly over.
"Now, the teams weather people can tell you where and when the rain comes so you are more prepared,” stated Pirro.
“I would be surprised if the weather affects the attitude of the teams on what pace they run.
“Endurance racing now, because of the technology and the level of competition is flat, flat, flat and that includes when the conditions are tough.
"Years ago when cars were more fragile there was choice of having ‘a hare and a tortoise’ but again that is no longer relevant.”
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