ADAC GT Masters·5.8.2016

ADAC GT Masters: Comments after free practice: What the drivers had to say at the Nürburgring

Jules Gounon (Callaway Competition, Corvette C7 GT3-R): "I know the track - that's not the problem. It's the fact that our Lamborghini isn't running as well here as it did last time at the Red Bull Ring. We'll see why this is and in any case be giving 100 percent as usual to score important championship points. Obviously, we want to defend our championship lead."

Christer Jöns (Bentley Team ABT, Bentley Continental GT3): "The car actually feels quite good. Compared to the Red Bull Ring, the Nürburgring has less grip. We need to factor that in with our Bentley. Generally speaking, the first sector here doesn't aid our cause, because that's where the smaller mid-engine cars are faster."

Jesse Krohn (Schubert Motorsport, BMW M6 GT3): "We hadn't really expected this track to suit us at all. Normally, our car is strong on the faster corners. But between the Red Bull Ring and the Nürburgring, we've done a lot of work on the car and made some progress. If we the drivers and the team get everything together, a Top Three place in qualifying is a possibility."

Jaap van Lagen (HB Racing WDS Bau, Lamborghini Huracán GT3): "Our car is well balanced. However, we simply lack the top speed on this track. I'm curious to see how qualifying pans out. But getting in among the Top Ten is going to be difficult."

Christopher Mies (Montaplast by Land-Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS): "You never know in free practice, of course, which team has used which tyres. Consequently, the times on the board have to be viewed with some caution. In qualifying, we will see who is really strong here. But obviously, our times today have given us confidence. I think the track suits the Audi. We would be happy with a starting position somewhere between first and third for Race 1."

Ernst Moser (Team principal, Phoenix Racing): "Free practice has given us some encouragement. We seem to have found a good setup. But whether it's good enough for a position near the front of the grid, we'll just have to wait and see. Our new driver Nicolaj Moeller Madsen is making a good impression. He is highly motivated and wants to show everyone that he is ADAC GT Masters material. We've set ourselves the target of a podium finish, and at the moment it's looking quite promising."

Nicolaj Rogivue (AMG Team Zakspeed, AMG-Mercedes GT3): "We are satisfied so far. The track is quite slippery, but you can compensate for that with the right setup. We'll get there in the end. Personally, I still have room for improvement, but my team-mate Nicolai (Sylvest) is very fast."

Nicolai Sylvest (AMG Team Zakspeed, AMG-Mercedes GT3): "It's all gone well so far. We need to make a few changes to the Mercedes - then it should be even better. I like the Nürburgring a lot. I know it from my time in single-seater competitions, and I've already had one race win here. I have positive memories. I think we have the potential to finish in the Top Ten. But we now have to wait and see what happens in qualifying."

Laurens Vanthoor (kfzteile24 APR Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS): "Setting today's best time was great. The car was good, and I felt comfortable in it. It's a pity that we lost some time in the second session on account of an accident involving an opponent. I hope we'll be contenders for the podium this weekend."

Frédéric Vervisch (Montaplast by Land-Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS): "The Audis seem to be very strong here. At least, better than at the Red Bull Ring, especially our sister car driven by Christopher (Mies) and Connor (De Phillippi). I'm glad that they are back in the title chase again. A grid position in the first two rows should be feasible."