Fässler: Two races, two chances
FIRST LE MANS, THEN NÜRBURGRING Marcel Fässler is facing the two most intense weeks of his 2019 racing season. With Corvette and Audi, he's aiming for the podium at two endurance classics. Marcel Fässler is still fully active at the age of 43. At Corvette Racing, the man from Schwyz will be backing up at the endurance classics at Daytona, Sebring, Le Mans and [...]
Marcel Fässler is still fully active at the age of 43. At Corvette Racing, the driver from Schwyz is needed as a reinforcement at the endurance classics at Daytona, Sebring, Le Mans and Road Atlanta, and by Audi Sport to support factory-supported customer teams at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and Spa.
So he's now facing two intense weeks: First Le Mans with the Corvette Racing factory team, then Nürburgring with Audi Sport Team Car Collection. These two 24-hour races are the highlight of the season for him.
No podium with Corvette yet
Fässler always likes to return to Le Mans in memory of his three overall victories with Audi in 2011, 2012 and 2014. With Corvette, however, it has never been enough for a podium in the equally fiercely contested GT class.
The Americans have won eight times and finished second the same number of times in 19 races since 2000. However, the Swiss was not in the "right" car either before or after his time at Audi - fourth place in 2009 is his best GT result to date with Corvette at Le Mans.
Competition bluffs
Last Sunday, on the official test day, the two V8 flounders posted the best and third-best times among the 17 cars in the GT factory car category (LMGTE Pro). A good omen, nothing more.
Marcel Fässler: "Like Toyota in LMP1, we were about the same pace as in 2018, while others were a little slower, although they certainly didn't take any development steps backwards. It was nice to see our cars running well, but the true pace won't be seen until next week because some were certainly holding back."
First hold out, then attack
No Swiss knows how to win 24-hour races better than he does. He will stick to this recipe on June 15/16 at Le Mans and a week later at the Nürburgring.
Marcel Fässler: "The important thing is to drive consistently and smoothly through the night to have an intact car in the morning so that we can attack. At Le Mans it's sure to be very close, at the Nürburgring it also depends on the classification of the various GT3 cars."
Strong Audi driver quartet
With factory drivers Christopher Haase, René Rast and Markus Winkelhock, Fässler has three absolute topshots as partners in the Audi R8 LMS from Car Collection at the ADAC 24 Hours Nürburgring staged for the 47th time on June 22/23.
Marcel Fässler: "In terms of the lineup, we're certainly in a good position. After I didn't get to race in a factory-supported car last year, that's motivating. And for me it's also confirmation that I obviously performed well in 2018."
Throttled power
Nevertheless, there is one handicap.
Marcel Fässler: "Unfortunately, we're lacking a bit of power at the bottom because of the air restrictor, which is particularly noticeable in the dry. In the wet, I showed what's otherwise possible with second place on the grid and the lead laps in the qualifying race. So if it's more likely to be wet at the 24-hour race, I see better chances for us if it stays with the current classification of the GT3 cars."
Which do you prefer?
Whether it's GT class victory at Le Mans or overall victory at the Nürburgring - the most successful Swiss endurance driver still lacks both in his collection. Which would he prefer?
Marcel Fässler: "Both! Because both races are at the same level. I'll take whatever comes along. The important thing is that the conditions are right. That's why I can be confident."
In that case, AutoSprintCH wishes him all the luck it needs!
