There’s a definite ‘end of an era’ feel around the FIA WEC paddock with Audi Sport Team Joest’s last race start now looming large.
Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, at the pre-race press conference on Thursday afternoon, received a standing ovation not just from his peers, the factory Team Principals in LMP1 and GTE, but also from the whole media pack present, and there was a 100% turnout for that express purpose!
Both Audi R18s carry vinyls marking the end of the programme and, with typical class, Toyota’s TS050s both carry prominent vinyls too to honour their five season long rivals.
There are plenty of signs too that something special is afoot here as, effectively, the gathering of the clans is underway, amongst the more recognisable faces are Leena Gade and Howden Haynes, both here at the circuit.
The final team shot yesterday morning was rather poignant, as were Dr Ullrich’s words when asked for his most treasured memories of the 18 year programme:
“I’ll always remember the first Le Mans win in 2000, that was very special of course, and the first diesel win with the R10 TDI, with a technology that many people said would not be possible.”
And the worst moment? With zero hesitation
“The biggest negative thing was the accident of Michele Alboreto, it was something motorsport does not need. It was tough to swallow that, because he was a really close part of the family and we missed him not only as a race driver, we missed him as a person.”
With pole position yesterday for the #8 Audi the stage is set. One more time it’s game on!
