WEC - 24 Hours of Le Mans - What the winners said
The winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMP1 and LMGTE Pro give their reactions after the 86th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, round 2 of the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship
Fernando Alonso – winner 24 Hours of Le Mans
No8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TS050 HYBRID
“It has been amazing. We know how important and iconic Le Mans is in the world of motorsport and as a team we achieved an amazing result. Every moment was a reminder of how tough and long this race is, anything can happen so we tried to execute our race and stay calm. Happily everything worked well. The race was hard because the two cars were very close, within one minute after 23 hours, so it was tough competitive but fair and very sporting. We wanted a one-two and we achieved that so I am very happy.”
Sébastien Buemi – winner 24 Hours of Le Mans
No8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TS050 HYBRID
“This is definitely the biggest win of my career. I struggle to realise it right now because in the last few laps I couldn't forget 2016. To finally see the car crossing the line was really special. All the preparation that goes into this day from everyone in the team, when you finally win it, it is something really big so I will enjoy this. Congratulations as well to car #7 who did an amazing job as well.”
Kazuki Nakajima – winner 24 Hours of Le Mans
No8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TS050 HYBRID
“It's great to be here finally; it has been a long time. I am almost speechless. I had great team-mates and Toyota gave us a very strong car. We finished the race without any issue on both cars so I feel we all deserved to win the race. To win this race has been a big dream for all of Toyota since 1985. There have been many people involved in this project so I am proud to be here to represent all that effort.”
Fernando Alonso – winner 24 Hours of Le Mans
No8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TS050 HYBRID
“It has been amazing. We know how important and iconic Le Mans is in the world of motorsport and as a team we achieved an amazing result. Every moment was a reminder of how tough and long this race is, anything can happen so we tried to execute our race and stay calm. Happily everything worked well. The race was hard because the two cars were very close, within one minute after 23 hours, so it was tough competitive but fair and very sporting. We wanted a one-two and we achieved that so I am very happy.”
Kévin Estre – winner LMGTE Pro
No92 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR
"It's simply unbelievable. I just can't describe my feelings. Today is the best day of my life. We have won the world's most difficult and wonderful race. That can't be put into words."
Michael Christensen – winner LMGTE Pro
No92 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR
"It was an incredible race, I don't know what to say. The car was fast right from the start. We had a little luck during a safety car phase and we managed to pull clear of the field a little. From that point on we focussed on extending our lead. In the final third of the race we simply tried to avoid taking any risks and bring the car home safely. This worked perfectly."
Laurens Vanthoor – winner LMGTE Pro
No92 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR
"Today is one of the most beautiful, no, the most beautiful days of my career: I've won Le Mans. I can't describe my emotions and I still can't believe it. Kevin, Michael and I complemented each other perfectly. The entire team was just brilliant today."