24h Le Mans
Tom Kristensen, victory record holder at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (nine victories) and retired since the end of November 2014, is more than present during this 83rd edition.
For the first time in fifteen years, Kristensen will not be behind the wheel of an Audi prototype at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But the 24 Hours of Le Mans wouldn’t be able to forget its “Mr Le Mans” (even if Kristensen considers that this title should go to Jacky Ickx). After having presented his autobiography at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, he will be leading the drivers throughout the formation lap onboard the safety car as 2015 Grand Marshal. Just like his former team members Dindo Capello and Allan McNish, both also retired, Kristensen is still present with the new generation of Audi drivers in endurance. Three of their former “co-drivers” can testify of this presence: Benoît Tréluyer who forms the new reference team with Marcel Fässler and André Lotterer; Oliver Jarvis who succeeds the Danish driver alongside with Loïc Duval and Lucas di Grassi and finally Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.
Dr Wolfgang Ullrich: "Of course it’s strange not having Tom behind the wheel this year but he is still with us to bring us his support and experience."
Benoît Tréluyer: "These last years, things were done progressively with, at first, the retirement of Dindo in 2012, Allan in 2013 and Tom in 2014. And we all got used to having a good cry (laughter)."
Dr Wolfgang Ullrich: "All drivers decide to retire at one moment or another in life. Tom may not be behind a wheel anymore but he is now here to help us be the best as possible."
Oliver Jarvis: "I think that for Tom it must be different coming to the circuit by car and not being on the track. But it’s important he’s still here, if only for his experience and all that he brought to the history of Audi in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in endurance."
Benoît Tréluyer: "It’s true that Marcel, André and myself are the most experienced team now but I only come in second position as Marcel is the oldest of us three (laughters). That said, in 2014, except for our victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, we hadn’t had a great year in the World Endurance Championship and I did ask myself when I could possibly retire. But, since the beginning of 2015, I’m having such fun that I don’t even think about it any more!"
Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO
Photo: SAO PAULO (BRAZIL), 6 HOURS OF SAO PAULO, SUNDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2014, RACE. Tom Kristensen finished his career on the third step of the podium.
