ADAC GT Masters·22.9.2017

Comments after practice: Initial thoughts from the drivers at Hockenheim

Jules Gounon (Callaway Competition, Corvette C7 GT3-R): "We ran old tyres today that we last used at the Sachsenring, which is why we weren't at the top of the timesheet. Still, we were up front yesterday during testing on fresh tyres, so I'm quite optimistic. Practice isn't important. It's tomorrow that matters. We're ready to fight."

Philipp Eng (BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW M6 GT3): "We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see whether our times count for anything. I'm not sure that everyone has played their hand and given it all they've got yet. Our car doesn't feel too bad. I think we've found a good balance, but we'll have to do a bit better tomorrow. We must make the best of our package, and, in an ideal world, take 16 points out of the front-runner."

Sebastian Asch (BWT Mücke Motorsport, Mercedes-AMG GT3): "We had a problem with the ABS in the first session, which we fixed. Things went well in second practice. We worked on the car's balance for qualifying and also did a bit towards sorting out race setup. It would be really great to place in the Top Ten tomorrow. Our lap time in the second session was nothing to get worked up about. We were in front in practice last year, but qualifying was then rubbish. Perhaps that's a good omen, and it will be the other way round this time!"

Kelvin van der Linde (Aust Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS): "We weren't on new tyres, so it's difficult to say where we really stand. We made good progress with the car today. I think we can finish in the Top Eight in qualifying, but the race will then be something else. Everyone is nervous. Anyone could make a mistake. We aim to fight our way forwards with a good strategy."

Connor De Phillippi (Montaplast by Land-Motorsport, Audi R8 LMS): "We tried a lot of things out today, some of which worked, but I think we might surprise everyone tomorrow in qualifying. There are a few laps where the car can be very fast, just like at the Sachsenring. We'll do our best to be on the front row."

Christian Engelhart (GRT Grasser Racing Team, Lamborghini Huracán GT3): "So far so good. We are very well sorted here. The car was really great. In the end, we concentrated on a one-stop practice and went out one more time on fresh tyres."

Christopher Höher (Audi Sport racing academy, Audi R8 LMS): "The day was very productive for us. We didn't participate in testing yesterday, so we had to start from scratch this morning. We discovered a lot of important things, and we now need to use that information to dial in a good set-up for qualifying."

Elia Erhart (Audi Sport racing academy, Audi R8 LMS): "We had to do a bit of catching up, because we didn't take part in testing. We were down on traction a little today. I hope we can solve the problem by tomorrow."

Remo Lips (MRS GT-Racing, Nissan GTR NISMO GT3): "We didn't do any testing yesterday and had a problem this afternoon, so we didn't get in much driving time. We're not doing very well where times are concerned. I'm going to stay out of trouble tomorrow, because winning the Trophy class is crucial."