Well, it was a good race, until it lasted. After a hectic start, I was able to manage to hold on to P4 and felt already I had the car to make my way through the field. Then, it’s like a train hit me. Nothing I could really do, our race was over.
After seeing the footage, it’s pretty clear what happened. You may raise the point if “gentleman drivers” deserve a spot in this level of competition on occasions like these. And despite feeling pretty bitter about what happened, I think they do. But I believe there is a level of responsibility the teams and their entourage should acknowledge to teach them how to approach a delicate situation like a race-start. Most importantly, it’s unnecessary to take risks. Aside from my accident, in one lap, I saw a lot of contacts and wild maneuvers.
As a driver coach myself, I teach my clients to focus not only on performance but also on approaching the race, especially the start. Based on their skill level, the track, the car, the field, I suggest which is the best way to approach it. And to not take unnecessary risks. In endurance racing, you carry a great deal of responsibility. To your team and your teammates, you need to make sure to do the best job while delivering the car in one piece. The race is long, many things can happen, so you have the time to make opportunistic choices. I don’t think there is a better sum for it than the saying, “You don’t win the race at the first lap.” Let me add, non even on the second.
I was lucky to have made it out in one piece on this one. It could have been a lot worse.
I’m deeply sorry to my team and my teammates because I know we had a great shot at this race. Things like this happen, and we will deal with it. Now, on to the next one. We’re hungrier than ever.
