21/05/09

STEFAN MUCKE – GETTING SET FOR THE BIG ONE

Stefan, tell us your thoughts on the season so far? “So far it has been very promising indeed. To win in our first race of 2009 was a tremendous achievement. In a way it was not a big surprise because I knew how good the Lola was last season when we competed.

“We have a big motivation in the team to do well at Le Mans this year too. The basic package of the car is not too dissimilar from last year but of course with the regulation changes for this year it is a slightly different sensation for the driver although not too much.

“Spa was a good test for us. I actually only did one lap before the race because of the engine problem we had and I started from the pit lane. But the set up we have for the car is very good and at the end we finished with good points in third place. Of course it is good to find out any technical issues ahead of the Le Mans weekend.”

What will be your preparations for Le Mans with the Lola Aston Martin B09/60 LMP1 Coupe?

“Well Spa is always useful because although it is not as low downforce as Le Mans, it does give you some good indications.

“We have a test at Monza next week. This will be good because the straights are as close to Le Mans as you can get really, although obviously not exactly the same.

“But honestly Le Mans is so unique that you can only prepare so much really because the public road conditions are hard to replicate. The circuit at Le Mans is changing every single lap. It even changes year by year in small ways. A new bump here, some grip there.

“Personally, I do not have a particular regime but I always make a point of making sure I have a good mental concentration the whole week of Le Mans. This is so important, especially as you spend so much time on long, long straights. It is really easy to lose concentration for just a split second and you can be off or miss your braking point, so I think it vital to be completely focused at all times, including the run up to your own cockpit time.”

Compared to last year’s car what have you found to be main differences in 2009?

“There is not so much difference compared to last year really. As I said the regs have made some difference but you get used to it fairly quickly. The downforce doesn’t feel affected that much (by the regs) and as everyone knows the Lola is very strong aerodynamically in the fast corners.

“The car will be competitive again this year and we have already shown that we are as quick in a straightline as we are in the corners.

What are your objectives and goals at Le Mans in 2009?
“Last year we beat one of the Audi R10’s. This year they have a new car, which looks very quick indeed as you expect from them. I think we can be just as effective in qualifying for sure. The race may be more difficult but we will be going all out to achieve the maximum and at least be the fastest petrol car.”


All pictures Lola Heritage.



Stefan took an excellent third place at the Spa 1000kms in the Lola Aston Martin.



Stefan outside the Lola factory.



Stefan visited the Lola factory in 2008 with the Charouz Racing Lola Aston Martin.