Reactions from the paddock after Saturday’s race in Spielberg.
Michael Ammermüller (SSR Performance, Porsche 911 GT3 R, 1st place overall): “The team did a good job and the solid third place in qualifying meant I was able to get through the first stint nicely. It all got a bit close again at the restart after the first safety car, but I was able to open up a small lead by the time the pit stop window opened. Mathieu performed very well today and we are pleased with the win.”
Mathieu Jaminet (SSR Performance, Porsche 911 GT3 R, 1st place overall): “It was an exciting race with a lot of battles. The duel with Maximilian Buhk was really spectacular and close to the limit. As I came out of turn one, I could see that he was exiting the pit lane. I did not want to allow him to find his rhythm on his out lap, so immediately went on the attack. I pulled level with him in turn three and finally got past in turn five. I was obviously not thrilled when the safety car made another appearance at the end, but I pushed hard again at the restart and thereafter. In the end, it all turned out well for us and we are pleased with the win. That was fantastic racing today.”
Mirko Bortolotti (GRT Grasser Racing Team, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo, 2nd place overall): “After the penalty from Oschersleben, we tried to give it our all in qualifying and were happy with the pole time, despite then being relegated down the grid. In the race, we tried to make as much progress as possible and to stay out of any precarious situations. Albert also drove a super stint and we are very happy with second place.”
Albert Costa Balboa (GRT Grasser Racing Team, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo, 2nd place overall): “I am very happy to be on the podium again here. After the battle with Maximilian Buhk, I was able to get the car through to the finish nicely. The goal for the next races is clear, and we will continue to work on improving step by step.”
Marvin Kirchhöfer (Callaway Competition, Corvette C7 GT3-R, 3rd place overall): “I had a few exciting battles, particularly with Maxi Buhk and Albert Costa Balboa. When Albert passed Maxi, I tried to go with him. We made light contact in turn 9 and I had to pull out. As a result, I did not then adhere to the track limits. I then had to allow him past again, but was able to overtake him again afterwards. Unfortunately, that cost me time, as I was close to the Lamborghini. I don’t know whether it would have been enough for second place, but I am happy with the podium.”
Jeffrey Schmidt (Callaway Competition, Corvette C7 GT3-R, 3rd place overall): “The team laid the foundation for the good result with the good job it did. Thank you for that! The start is always vital here, as you have to be well positioned for the uphill section after the first corner. We managed to do that and gained a few positions. We knew that we underperformed in qualifying, so we are obviously happy to take third place. We are confident about tomorrow.”
Rolf Ineichen (GRT Grasser Racing Team, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo, 7th place overall, winner in the Pirelli Trophy): “This has been a very successful race weekend for us so far. It is very important for the whole team, as it is the home event for the GRT Grasser Racing Team. We had a good qualifying. The team provided us with a good car. Unfortunately, I did not get off to the ideal start, but we drove a clean race after that. I was faster than the WRT Audi in front of me, but it is not easy to pass here without taking big risks. Franck drove a super stint and overtook Dennis Marschall shortly before the finish to give us seventh place. A superb performance for us. Tomorrow, we will push hard again and perhaps even go one better.”
Dennis Marschall (Rutronik Racing by Tece, Audi R8 LMS), 8th place overall, winner in the Pirelli Junior competition: “The race pretty much went to plan for us. We wanted to stay out of trouble and managed to climb from 10th place into P8 overall and P1 in the Pirelli Junior competition. Our strongest period came in the middle of the race, during the pit stop window, when we were able to make up a lot of ground. We had a few problems towards the end and lost a place to a Lamborghini. In the end, eighth place was the best we could manage. We will now analyse the race. We hope that we can perhaps even claim a top-five result in qualifying tomorrow.”
Christian Engelhart (Küs Team Bernhard, Porsche 911 GT3 R), 11th place overall: “We are obviously all disappointed. And it started so well today. Thomas drove a great lap in qualifying and was then able to make up some places after the start and defended third place superbly. Unfortunately, we then lost two positions in the pits. When I came back out, I was fifth. Then we had the penalty for a mistake during the pit stop. I am very sorry for the team. We will make sure we learn from this. Tomorrow we will go again, push hard, and do our best.”
Jannes Fittje (Küs Team Bernhard, Porsche 911 GT3 R), DNF: “Not a good day. Even qualifying did not go well. Everything went to plan in the warm-up phase, then the rear-left tyre slipped off the rim in the penultimate corner. That was just unfortunate. Because I had not had a real flying lap by that point, it meant we had to start from last place on the grid. In the race, I simply tried to get as far up the field as possible. However, even the start was pretty chaotic. I had to take evasive measures several times and drive on the grass to avoid contact. I was then able to pull off a few good overtaking manoeuvres and found myself in 18th. There was still something to play for. Unfortunately, the front splitter came loose and we had to retire. Tomorrow is a new day.”