Here’s a selection of views from WEC prototype drivers after a stroll up and down the paddock prior to this Morning’s session at Paul Ricard:
Nick Heidfeld – LMP1 – #12 Rebellion Racing R-One
“Yesterday was a good day, we had no technical issues on the car and did a lot of running which is perfect for us.
“In terms of changes to the car here, we have’t had to do much as the team had done a lot of testing the past two weeks.
“For me, it’s good to get back in the car, it was the first time I’ve driven it in six months. And getting used to the new Dunlop tyres has taken a bit of time.
“The team made the switch from Michelin, and I think it was the right choice. We didn’t get the chance to develop a tyre for the car with them, because they were so focused on the factory teams which are all four-wheel drive. With our car, and the huge difference in weight distribution means the Michelins never suited it.
“When we look at where we are compared to ByKolles, I don’t read too much into it, it’s an indication. We want to be ahead, but not too far ahead, we don’t want to race ourselves all year…”
Oliver Webb – LMP1 – #4 ByKolles CLM P1/01
“It’s just myself these two days, as Simon (Trummer) has been taken ill. That’s been good in a way, because I’ve been able to get a lot of running, which has helped me get up to speed with the car.
“It’s a lot different to driving an LMP2 car, it’s got more power, speed and is a lot more physical to driver.
“I think LMP1 Privateer should be better this year all round. We are more confident with the reliability at the six-hour races. We ran at Motorland for the Dunlop test for instance and had no problems.
“Pace wise, I think we’ve closed the gap a bit to Rebellion too. We’re here doing our own thing, so I’m not too concerned with the times.”
Danny Watts – LMP2 – #42 Strakka Racing Gibson 015s
“Overall we’ve just playing with different setups on the car, we don’t focus on Qualifying set ups, we just want our car to be good on longer runs.
“I think we are all more confident this year, knowing we will run the same car and tyre. Last year was tough, it was broken up with us running half the season with the Dome, and Michelin tyres, and half the season with the Gibson and Dunlops.
“In terms of getting used to the car, I think the breakthrough was at the Bahrain Test at the end of the season. It was a tyre test, but we tried a lot of things and feel more comfortable.”
Ryan Dalziel – LMP2 – #31 Extreme Speed Motorsports Ligier JS P2
“There’s a lot of changes from us this year. The biggest one is obviously the engine, as we’re using a Nissan now as opposed to the HPD. The HPD had more power last year, but it was so much heavier that there were more disadvantages than advantages overall.
“The 2016 Dunlop tyre is also a huge step up for us, huge. That coupled with the new engine makes the car so much more nimble and easier to drive through the corners.
“I’m looking forward to the season to start now, Le Mans is going to me great, but for us especially, the round at Mexico has gone down very well because of our prime sponsor.
“That’s going to be a great event, lots of fans, and a great circuit.”
Stephen Kilbey
