Di Grassi: WEC title would be perfect Audi send-off
Audi driver Lucas di Grassi says a final flourish to challenge for the FIA World Endurance Championship title would be the best possible way for the German giant to bow out of endurance racing in style.
#8 Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R18: Lucas di Grassi, Loic Duval, Oliver Jarvis
Vision Sport Agency
Di Grassi, who has proved to be one of the standout performers in the global sportscar series this season, shares the #8 Audi R18 e-tron quattro with teammates Oliver Jarvis and Loic Duval.
The Brazilian believes that a late surge for the title is still on the cards, despite the #8 crew trailing the #2 Porsche trio of Neel Jani, Romain Dumas and Marc Lieb by 28.5 points with only two races to go.
“Of course it was hard news to take but I think everyone is agreed that Audi did a fantastic job for the last 18 years,” di Grassi told Motorsport.com following news of Audi's withdrawal.
“It is difficult to stop but every manufacturer in every motorsport discipline has its time. We have to adapt and move on.”
On the topic of the title chase, he added: “We have nothing to lose. If we win both races and the Porsche only finishes fifth we win the championship.
"So we have to get 15 points from them in each race. When you consider the performance of the #2 Porsche in the last few races, it might be possible.
"We have a very quick car, so the focus is to win and close the Audi chapter with a golden victory.
“Even if we just won another race before it stops, it would be very special and good for everyone, but whatever happens, we will fight and push right until the last corner.
"We owe that to the brand, because this is the way they always go racing.”
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