In the center of the city of Le Mans, Audi completed the scrutineering process for the 24-hour race in the presence of a large crowd.
Prepared for Le Mans: Audi Sport Team Joest completed scrutineering for the Le Mans 24 Hours as early as on the Sunday before the race. The two Audi R18 e-tron quattro and the two R18 ultra cars perfectly passed the technical inspection. The unusually early scrutineering date, however, meant that three Audi drivers were not on hand this time and will present themselves a day later.
Loic Duval was contesting a race in Malaysia, Oliver Jarvis was competing at the Slovakiaring and Marc Gene was at the Canadian Grand Prix with Formula One. For the first time, the spectators witnessed the scrutineering event at the Place de la Republique in the center of the city of Le Mans, as the previously used Place des Jacobins square in front of the Saint-Julien cathedral is under construction this year.
A word from Marc Gene
In April, you joined Audi as a reserve driver. At Spa, you won in what has so far been your only racing commitment for Audi. As Timo Bernhard had to cancel his run you stood in for him and are replacing him at the Le Mans 24 Hours as well. What are your feelings?
“Of course it’s very regrettable that Timo’s health hasn’t been restored yet. In my role as reserve driver, my participation in the Le Mans test day had been planned anyway. Now, I’ll be running in the race too, which is an honor for me. The people at Audi never gave me the impression of only being a reserve driver, though – I’ve been feeling completely integrated in the squad right from the beginning.”
What has given you this feeling?
“I was fully involved as early as in the rests. Then I was allowed to drive the race at Spa. I had not been planned for the race at Le Mans originally. When it was confirmed I was very happy. I like this race, the team and the Audi R18 ultra very much.”
How were the reactions to your victory at Spa?
“This earned me a few nice press articles, many congratulations, and recognition in the Formula One paddock as well. I’ve begun to realize what an important brand Audi is. With it, this victory is even more special and the many fans of the brand watch us very closely. This is different than in other teams. The structure at Audi is at the same level as it is in the best Formula One teams. Plus the passion of the whole brand for the Le Mans 24 Hours is enormous.”
Scrutineering gallery on oneighturbo.com