The LMGT3 class win at a rainy Silverstone provided multiple storylines for the Qatari AMG team, the drivers and the ELMS Championship.
Astonishingly, the win for the #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx is the fifth different LMGT3 winner in five races, and the first in ELMS history for Mercedes-AMG. It also catapulted the #62 crew to the top of the Championship standings.
It’s the first in international racing for a Qatari-flagged team too, a fact reflected upon post-race by pole-sitter and race starter for the team Abdullah Al Khelaifi:
“The Qatari Federation has always had this vision to have a team representing Qatar, but not just representing, fighting and competing at this level,” said Abdullah post-race. “I’m extremely proud that we made it all work out this weekend. We started this project back in 2022, and it was a really ambitious effort.
“Now, though, we are starting to see real results, and I hope it has laid the foundations for the younger generation to follow.”
For a small nation, coming perhaps late to the sport, you are a real standard-bearer. That must make you personally very proud.
“It does, and it’s a lot of pressure. I really have to perform and be an ambassador for my nation and my people and the younger generation, of course, which is the ultimate goal. I’m extremely happy to be in this position right now.”
The Championship is super close. Five different winners in this class this year; six cars can still take the title, but you will go with the #62 car to the final round as the championship leaders.
“Yes, honestly, I didn’t expect it to be this close in this championship.
“Coming to the Championship at the last round, leading it is extremely important to us.
“But also, we have to keep in mind that we will gain another 20 kg of ballast. So we need to stay focused and really score as many points as possible and stay away from trouble in the last round to get this championship.”
The run to the flag had been in the hands of Silver-ranked Julian Hanses, who held off a spirited attack in the final half hour from Charlie Eastwood in the #33 TF Sport Corvette.
“I would say it’s maybe the number one drive of my life so far.
“We arrived here, and we worked so hard on the full package with the whole team. Andrea (Piccini), the team owner, sat with me looking at data, watching videos to try to improve the smallest bits. And I’m so happy that the whole team that put so much work in finally paid off for us with the first victory in the ELMS.
“It feels good to arrive in Portimao on top of the points. Now we have to execute perfectly again, try to take the win, win the Championship and go again to Le Mans.”
Completing the trio was Mercedes AMG factory driver Ralf Aron, the Estonian Pro scoring a second consecutive win after his return to driving after a huge accident at the Bathurst 12 Hours left him recovering from vertebral injuries.
His comeback in July at NLS7 saw a win, and Silverstone’s ELMS win made it two!
“That was a hard race; Julian was excellent at the end in a situation where we honestly had no idea where we might finish.
“I obviously was working hard too come back as soon as possible and show I was competitive after such a break, but two wins in succession in different Championships is something I did not expect.”
Team Principal Andrea Piccini meanwhile was elated and stunned in pretty much equal measure post-race.
“It’s been pretty intense. The boys did an amazing job. It was difficult for us because in the middle of the race, before the virtual safety car came out, the Corvette and we were the only ones who did not complete the bronze driving time. So then everyone was out with the pros, with the silver or the pro, and we were out with the bronze. So we had to decide what to do.
“Luckily, there was a safety car, and we managed to stop, put the Pro in, but we didn’t put the rain tyres on.
“And then it was raining more and more, and at a certain point, we took the risk. We came back in, we put the rain tyres on, which put us to the back – But from there, I have to say, both Ralf and Julian did an amazing job. What Julian did at the end was incredible. That corner flat out on the wet on the inside with a car pushing you-it’s really difficult. So, chapeau to him!
You’ve seen Ralf come back from what was a horrendous injury, and his drive too was exceptional?
“You know, I had the same injury 10 years ago, 2016. As a driver, at the end of the day, you just want to come back.
“So I think Ralf, as with any driver, only wanted to come back, and I’m very happy the way he could come back here because, honestly, he did an amazing job and for sure for him this will give him confidence to build for the future.
“He will stay with us for Portimao and, I hope, will help us to win the title.
The project with QMMF saw a world first here today. I don’t think we’ve ever heard, at this level, the Qatari national anthem?
“No, and I was honestly a bit surprised when I went on the podium because, I have to be honest, in all of the excitement I was expecting our Italian anthem – but we are Team Qatar, and honestly I’m proud to have been on that podium, being able to bring them onto that podium because I have to say they have an amazing project.
“They want to build a lot in motorsport. They are pushing very hard, and we have a very good relationship with everyone, with the QMMF President that is managing the programme, all the drivers. So hopefully we’re looking forward to a long-term programme with them.”
Finally, what do you think about the season finale at Portimao?
“We lead the points, we have a team in very good form, but we will also have a lot of weight, so we know this is going to slow us down for sure.
“But going in the lead is for sure the best thing you can do. This championship is really unpredictable because so many things can happen. Even if you do the right strategy, you do the right calls. Something at the last moment, a safety car, a full course yellow- anything can change the race.
“And, we saw it happening so many times with such close action between the LMPs and the GTs; there’s always someone touching someone else, and something happens.
“I think that’s the reason why it’s so open. And until the end, even if you are fast, you never know if you’re going to win or not. So you need to be smart, consistent, tidy, and a bit lucky as well. And today, I think we’re smart, lucky, and the drivers did an amazing job.”
