ROLEX 24 Drivers quotes
The 61st 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona marks the most significant technical leap forward since inception. We met drivers to get their thoughts. Here are some selected Rolex 24 drivers’ quotes before the race.
📷 © Luc Warnotte. #10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 at ROLEX 24 2023.
Louis Deletraz #10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06.
CRR: What are the key differences between the LMP2 you drove last year with Tower Motorsport and this year’s GTP Acura?
Louis Deletraz: Brakes and power! Brakes are far more efficient which enables us to brake later and there is much more power with the hybrid system so that acceleration is impressive and we go faster in straights. The car is heavier and a bit more delicate in curves.
CRR: Acura is the only manufacturer who did not perform a 24 hours run. How about the reliability of the car?
Louis Deletraz: Each component has been tested during several runs in a row; some of 10 hours. So, the reliability of the parts is there and Honda/Acura is used to build reliable cars so we are very confident.
CRR: What is your 2023 program beyond the one with Wayne Taylor Racing in IMSA Michelin Endurance?
Louis Deletraz: I’ll be part of Tower Motorsports for the sprint races in LMP2. I’ll also participate in the WEC in LMP2 as well as ELMS. The teams are known but we are not able to communicate about it yet.
Stay tuned, we’ll interview Louis Deletraz in February to get the announcements to our readers.
📷 © Luc Warnotte. Rahel Frey at Rolex 24 2023.
Rahel Frey #83 Iron Dames Lamborghini GT3 Evo 2
Rahel Frey did not drive the #83 during practice 3 Thursday pm. She was in relaxation mode.
CRR: You are not driving this session?
📷 © Luc Warnotte. Rahel Frey at Rolex 24 2023.
Rahel Frey: No, I’m comfortable in the car; I did enough runs to be ready. The girls want more laps now.
CRR: How is the new Lamborghini performing?
Rahel Frey: We still have a lot of work to do; so we lack speed but we’ll be ready for Sebring and the GT Challenge Europe.
CRR: Sebring is going to be interesting for you driving the Porsche 911 GT3 in WEC and the Lamborghini in IMSA.
Rahel Frey: Yes! A lot of work during those two weekends but we are ready with the Porsche 911 GT3 which is fun and agile to drive.
CRR: Are the mechanics more from the US side of Lamborghini?
Rahel Frey: The team is Iron Lynx for both #19 and #83 Lamborghini. The traditional IMSA team is taking care of #63 and there is fully open communication between the two.
📷 © Luc Warnotte. Maxime Martin drove the fastest lap of #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M GT 3 during practice 2 of Rolex 24 2023.
Maxime Martin #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3
CRR: How come the car is not performing as well here as in Dubai where both BMW M Team WRT dominated the 24 Hours race?
Maxime Martin: The BoP is not the same. We have the same BoP as last year in IMSA. The car is great and so is the team but the Mercedes are 13 km/h faster than us in straight. As there are lots of straight in Daytona, it is hard for us to compete.
CRR: What are the aims?
Maxime Martin: Enjoy the race! I like to be in Daytona for the 24 Hours race. We’ll see what happens!
📷 © Luc Warnotte. Kevin Estre at Rolex 24 2023.
Kevin Estre #77 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 (992)
CRR: How is the car performing?
Kevin Estre: Well! We are losing close to 3 sec. to the fastest so there is not much we can do!
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