"We came into the event with fairly high expectations of doing well but, unfortunately, we've had a few issues which certainly stopped our progress in the race. But situations like this can be great motivators to dig deeper and be even more prepared for next year."
Johansson, who took over for the next three-and-a-half hours, was at the wheel when the starter problems struck and described his time in the car as arduous.
"We started out pretty well, but then we began having starter problems and dropped down the order," the Swede reported, "The car was difficult to drive in those conditions. We did a long stop on a yellow to adjust the rear wing, and it made some difference, but the car had very low grip in general. With the grip issues, you had to work a lot harder than normal with the steering. It was just tough out there."
The starter issue continued as Kerr took over, but the Briton was right on pace until the intermittent problem stopped the car completely and sent the #9 behind the wall. When Kerr returned to the fray, Highcroft was 27 laps down.
"It was a fantastic race, so it's a shame we had an issue with the starter motor which cost us so much," he reflected, "The traffic was okay - most of the drivers out there are professionals and they give you more room if they see you're a lot quicker, but, with the other drivers who weren't so accommodating, you had to fight your way past."
"We're pleased to have finished - as the only Acura left standing, we felt a strong obligation to get to the finish line," team owner Duncan Dayton pointed out, "Of course, it's disappointing that a ancillary component like a starter motor prevented us from a sure fourth place - and possibly even a podium finish - but we finished and that's what counts. It was a good run by David, Stefan and Robbie and we'll come back next year and go after Penske."
Misfortune struck the other two Acura-powered prototypes with Lowe's Fernandez Racing placing eighth in LMP2 and Andretti Green Racing in ninth, albeit after neither made the chequered flag.
