by Russell Atkins
TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL, LISTEN TO THE BEST OF
CRASH.NET PODCAST #12 BY
clicking here
Andrea Piccini has underlined the importance of concentration, reliability and slick pit-work as Aston Martin Racing bids to retain its Le Mans 24 Hours GT1 class crown next month – joking that drivers need eyes in both the front and back of their head.
The Italian previously competed with the works AMR outfit two years ago – his maiden participation in the daunting, round-the-clock La Sarthe classic – finishing a superb sixth overall and second in GT1 alongside Darren Turner and Tomas Enge. After missing the race in 2007, he is clearly keen to return to the circuit in June and help the legendary British manufacturer – whose two cars are this year liveried in the famous Gulf colours – to defend its title.
“It's great,” Piccini enthused of his return to the 'factory' Aston Martin stable, speaking exclusively to
Crash.net Radio. “I was with them already in 2006, and that worked pretty well because for my first time at Le Mans we finished second [in class].
“It's great to be back with Aston Martin – it's such a great name, and with a sponsor like Gulf which has such a history at Le Mans, we are really looking forward to it.”
The 29-year-old will be paired for the 2008 edition of the iconic endurance classic alongside former grand prix stars Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Karl Wendlinger in the #007 machine, and he already knows the latter well having competed against him in the FIA GT Championship since 2002.
“They're both very nice people,” he stated. “I've known Karl for quite some years, because we have both been racing in the FIA GT Championship for the last six years, and I met Heinz-Harald just a month ago.
“They are both very easy to work with, and for me it's good to be with two ex-Formula 1 drivers like they are. They're not only famous, but also fast and reliable, and I think it's a very good line-up for the race.”
The man from Tuscany has already amassed an impressive record in sportscar circles, with a number of FIA GT Championship successes and pole positions and of course that stunning Le Mans debut two years ago. Victory in the race dubbed the 'toughest in the world', however, would comfortably top all of those achievements, and Piccini is adamant AMR will be very much in the fight.
