Following Loïc Duval's accident in qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Frenchman will be back for the 6 Hours of Circuit of The Americas in the cockpit of the No.1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro alongside Tom Kristensen and Lucas di Grassi.
While the accident was terrifying to watch - and no doubt for Duval himself - the lack of major injuries sustained was a great testament to the design and strength of the Audi and, in particular, its cockpit cell. The German manufacturer caught up with Loïc to find out how he is today.
At round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship you’ll be returning to the cockpit. How have you recovered from the accident in qualifying at Le Mans? I’m doing really well. I’ve regularly had my progress checked at a hospital in Lausanne since June. In addition, your racing license is withdrawn following such a serious crash, but I’ve had it reinstated since then.
Have you subsequently returned to the cockpit of a race car? No, the doctors, Audi and I agreed that I should take it easy. Therefore, my first race was the fourth round of the Superformula at Motegi on August 24. A month before the WEC race at Austin, this run and the fourth place finish was a very good opportunity to prepare for my return to the R18 e-tron quattro.
Are you back on the same level with your fitness training as before? Four weeks ago, I began to extensively do sports again. So, by the time of the event at Austin, I will have been training for two full months. I’m already feeling completely fit again, physically and mentally.
So you’ve long begun to feel excited about racing again?
Absolutely. Even immediately after my accident, it was pretty difficult to watch my team-mates in the Le Mans 24 Hours only on a TV screen instead of being on track myself. Fortunately, I’ll be sitting in the car again at Austin at the end of September – I really like the track, as well as the city.
Interview from Audi Sport
