Fritz Enzinger, Vice President LMP1: “Coming back to Le Mans for the pre-test was emotional for the entire team. Winning in Le Mans doesn’t compare to anything else, because it is so incredibly hard. The fact we made it in 2015, in only our second attempt, puts us in the role of an odds-on favourite. We have to make sure this doesn’t drive us crazy. By no means is 2016 going to become any easier, as the opposite is the case. Porsche set new technology benchmarks when returning to the top category with the most advanced prototype on the grid. The competition has reacted and that’s why we now all have a 24-hour race ahead of us which might become the closest in history.”

Andreas Seidl, Team Principal: “The race team and the staff back in Weissach did a super job in development, as well as during testing and preparation. Le Mans especially is a steep learning curve. In 2014 the race came much too early for our freshly assembled team. Still we got further than anyone could have expected and then learnt how bitter a retirement shortly before the finish can taste. In 2015 we managed three cars, got them one-two-three on the grid, brought them all home and celebrated a one-two result. Le Mans 2016 is our 19th race as a team. This isn’t a lot. Technically and operationally we are better prepared than ever. But we know about the challenge to survive the race week, and especially the race itself, with no technical problems and no incidents on track. We have the utmost respect for that. We feel ready.”

Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Head of Porsche Motorsport: “Porsche and Le Mans have written many decades of motor racing history together. This tradition brings an obligation. As the most successful manufacturer in the history of this fascinating long distance classic, we are back again this year with a large contingent. We’re campaigning no less than seven 911 RSR against very strong opposition in the traditionally very competitive GT classes. The competition in the GTE-Pro class in particular has seldom been this high: Five well-known manufacturers and 14 vehicles manned with top pilots – you only get this at Le Mans.”

Marco Ujhasi, Overall Project Manager GT Works Motorsport: “Preparing for Le Mans has always been intense. We’ve used the time well to find the best possible setup for our 911 RSR for the special demands of this extraordinary race. The main focus for Le Mans is to drive for as long as possible at the highest level and to keep out of any tangles, so that you still have an undamaged car to really attack in the final sprint. We’ve laid the foundations for this and we hope that we can ultimately fight for victory.”

More quotes in the press releases.