What the Drivers said after qualifying at Fuji

Earl Bamber – LMP1

No2 Porsche LMP Team Porsche 919 Hybrid

No2 Porsche LMP Team Porsche 919 Hybrid

“It was a really tough session, we weren’t sure what tyres to take because it was very mixed conditions.  We run on the same set of tyres throughout all free practice sessions so going onto a different tyre was a different balance, we had a lot of oversteer.  I managed to close out the lap; it was a good lap.  I handed over to Brendon and he did an awesome lap as well.

“It is really special to get a pole position, my first pole in the championship, so it was nice to share it with Brendon.  Definitely a special moment.”

Brendon Hartley – LMP1

No2 Porsche LMP Team Porsche 919 Hybrid

“Actually we’ve been in these conditions all weekend.  Normally when you have a wet qualifying you are straight in, but it has been pretty constant all weekend.  It was super close.  Nick (Tandy) started with a quick lap and Andre (Lotterer) was on it too.  Collectively we were seven hundredths ahead and, like Earl said, it is nice to be sitting up here, the first pole position together. 

“I think Buemi was on it at the end, he had a purple sector on his last lap, so it was seriously close.  Through the testing Toyota were strong on the long runs and we’re expecting a tough race tomorrow.”

Frederic Makowiecki – LMGTE Pro

No91 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR

“We improved the car session after session and we definitely got the best in qualifying, it was really nice to drive.  The conditions were not easy but Richard (Lietz) did a great job and I’m really proud about that.  For me it means a lot because Japan is important.”

Richard Lietz – LMGTE Pro

No91 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR

“For sure it is important to score points in this championship and so far we are still learning about the car to set it up correctly.  Up to now we have really struggled to set it up how we want it but in qualifying it was really nice to drive, so we could do a good lap.  It is our first pole position together and also for me the first since 2013, which is a long time. 

“Tomorrow it is six hours and the weather conditions will be difficult. We hope for some rain but not too much.”

Nelson Piquet Jnr – LMP2

No13 Vaillante Rebellion Oreca 07-Gibson

“It was a tricky one as the weather was not very clear to start with and if we should go on wets or intermediates.

“Both of the tyres were working well and I think the practice work we did was good. We decided to go inters and I think it was the right choice. Throughout the session it started to rain a little bit more and there was a lot of moisture and we hesitated on maybe going on to full wets but it worked out and David did an amazing job.”

David Heinemeier-Hansson – LMP2

No13 Vaillante Rebellion Oreca 07-Gibson

 “When I had to go on to inters when the rain was coming down I thought there is no way this is not going to end nicely.  But the car amazingly stayed together and we had a lot of grip, I was telling everyone all week how much I hate driving prototypes in the wet and all of a sudden I love driving them in the rain now!”

“The lap Nelson did was great and we are really pleased to get our first pole.”

Matt Griffin – LMGTE Am

No61 Clearwater Racing Ferrari 488 GTE

“We were unsure of what tyre choice to make as we had done most of the weekend on the full wet. However, I was really worried we might overheat the tyre on the warm up lap and also when I got to turn one I locked up the rears which was exciting. I boxed on the second lap and decided to give Mok the best chance possible and he did a brilliant job.”

Weng Sun Mok – LMGTE Am

No61 Clearwater Racing Ferrari 488 GTE

 “I was so happy not to have to learn the circuit because Fuji is like a home track for me. The team didn’t tell me that I needed that last lap but it was probably good they didn’t tell me!  But we managed to pull it off and I am so happy for the team and especially Sawa-san (Keita Sawa) as he has friends, partners and sponsors. So hopefully we can do a great job tomorrow.”