Ring1.de
The 24h-Race Nürburgring is in the offing and you will enter the race with an Audi R8 LMS. What chances do you believe has the line-up 2009?
Pierre Kaffer
First I have to say that I am really looking forward to the race. The 24h-Race Nürburgring is my home race. The atmosphere is unique thanks to the fans which are camping along the Nordschleife.
The icing on the cake is that I am driving for Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline in a well prepared car with overall-winning-capability. I am pretty sure that our team, Lukas Luhr, Christian Abt, Jean-François Hemroulle and me in combination with the top-crew around Hans-Jürgen Abt will have a huge chance to be in a top position.
However a 24h race is a very special challenge where 24 hours unexpected things can happen. The first slogan is: Arrival!
Ring1.de
Of all the pilots you are the one with the least experience in the R8. How many kilometres have you had?
Pierre Kaffer
The Audi R8 LMS has passed a very large test programme with flying colours. I did a lot testing on Friday before the last round of the Long Distance Championship. The car handles very well and I do like the performance a lot. I feel for myself very well prepared for the task 24h-Race Nürburgring and I know that my team mates from Audi and the Abt Team are as well prepared as myself.
Ring1.de
The discussion about the integration of GT3 cars in the regulations of the 24h-Race causes quite a stir - what is your impression?
Pierre Kaffer
Due to my huge overseas race programme in 2009 I am not so much into the topic but I can say that the last races and qualifyings of the Long Distance Championship have been balanced like they haven't been for a long time. I think that the regulation makers have already shown that they have the right touch and they will prove it again to get the different classes on one level. Although this is not an easy job.
Ring1.de
During the last ten years the 24h-Race has changed a lot. What do you think of the ranking of the Eifelmarathon in international comparison?
Pierre Kaffer
Due to the extraordinary tv coverage and the professional marketing the 24h-Race Nürburgring is one of the greatest sport events in Germany and beside Le Mans the most important and well known 24h race. I am travelling a lot and nearly everywhere this race is known.
It hasn't always been like that. The variety of the GT race cars and the fast touring cars came back due to the changes in the regulations since the millenium change and that made the competitors and spectators return to the legendary race. It is worth to have a look back in the past.
Porsche 997, Audi R8, Corvette C6, Ford GT and many more top GT race cars are magnets for spectators and fascinate the crowd. The huge number of private teams with the close-to-production cars cause a good mixture for the 24 hours.
Ring1.de
LMS, ALMS - You are a real globetrotter in 2009. How exhausting is it to race in such a marathon event directly after an US race?
Pierre Kaffer
24 hour races are exhausting in general but I must say that the 24h Nürburgring is not so bad. In 2007 and 2008 I was driving in two teams with two cars. I have no problems with my fitness, I can even get relaxed out of the car. I get the relaxation from the Nordschleife with its unique track design which makes fun and I don't even want to get out of the car.
Ring1.de
Very special at the Nürbrugring is the "Fan-Community". What do you think?
Pierre Kaffer
From my point of view the 24h-Race Nürburgring stands for closeness to the fans. There is no other race with such a high class starter field and cars where the fans are so close to drivers and cars like at the Nürburgring. This is the spirit of the race and as a driver this gives you always the enthusiasm.
It is for me and for many of my driver colleagues again impressive how close you pass the fans' BBQs and how intensively you can feel the excitement and support of the fans in the race car. The distinctive points as Hohe Acht or Brünnchen for example are jumping places.
This is an important characteristic point of this race. The fans are one of the most important reasons why we drivers - whether professionals or amateurs - are looking forward to this race.
Ring1.de
Pierre, many thanks for the interview.
