LM24: The Two Fastest Sportscar Drivers
In a poll that includes drivers, team owners, and journalists, SPEEDtv.com has determined the two fastest sportscar drivers in the world.
Honorable mentions:
Nicolas Minassian, Driver, Peugeot, ALMS: Mika Salo
“He did a very good year in ALMS with Ferrari. Very good and fast driver.”
Nick Ham, Driver, SpeedSource Racing, Grand-Am: Dirk Werner
“This comes from the hours of following the timing monitors and knowing his background and experience. Dirk is the pace setter. I think if you put Dirk in any prototype or GT car he would be as fast as anybody.”
Eric van de Poele, driver, Krohn Racing, Grand-Am: Andrea Bertolini
“I picked Andrea for his driving personality and endurance attitude. Of course his speed under pressure of qualifying and other circumstances were the main areas I considered. I also certainly took into account the experience I have had with him. I believe that communication is priority too, so, I paid attention also about how he would transfer the information of the car and the car's conditions to their teammate, if, for example, I were to jump in the cockpit after them.”
David Murry, driver, Robertson Racing, ALMS: Craig Stanton
“I would name Craig Stanton. Craig brings lots of concepts and development to the team long before the car even hits the track. He brings driving speed but also things that win championships which go far beyond just his ability to post fast lap after fast lap. He works on driver change time, correct pit strategy, even pit work by the crew. Craig looks at the entire picture and thinks about what it takes to win. Every aspect of his racing is fast.”
Luis Diaz, driver, Fernandez Racing, ALMS: Timo Bernhard
“I have raced against Timo for a few seasons and he is always trouble to stay with. He has a very good car and team with Penske in the ALMS of Grand-Am, but what he does with driving his car is very impressive.”
Jeff Segal, Driver, SpeedSource Racing, Grand-Am: Joao Barbosa
“Joao quietly goes about his job both on and off the track, but has outpaced his VERY highly rated co-drivers in every single team he's driven for (LMES, ALMS, Grand-Am DP & GT, ALL OF THEM). Unbelievably smooth with his inputs to the car, he looks like he's going slowly but the lap times don't lie, rain or shine. Has outraced many of the top cars and teams in vastly inferior equipment throughout the years.”
Nic Jonsson, Driver, Krohn Racing, Grand-Am: Jorg Bergmeister
“When it comes to speed in sportscars I believe Jorg is exceptional. He can put a qualifying lap in when needed, even if the car is not very good. He’s extremely good in traffic and can handle all conditions.”
Dale White, Owner, White Lightning Racing/Team Manager, Drayson Racing, ALMS/LMS: Dirk Muller
“He has unbelievable skills in traffic and can out-drive anyone in the field at any time.”
Dindo Capello, Driver, Audi Sport, ALMS: Jaime Melo
“Jaime makes a difference at the wheel of the Ferrari. He is always fast. Coming from single-seaters he adopted very well to the GT cars which is not so easy to do.”
Stephane Sarrazin, Driver, Peugeot, ALMS: Franck Montagny
“He is fast in all categories : single seat, sportscars...”
Chris Jordan, BAM Media: Jamie Whincup
“Jamie is only 26 but spanking his most recognized and much higher paid team-mate in the Aussie V8 Supercar series. He’s a great story; Jamie was hired in 2006 on about the same wage as the mechanics that work on his car to be Craig Lowndes clear #2 driver – and then he proceeded to win his first race with the team and has put Craig in the shade ever since! He and Craig drove together to win Bathurst in 2006 and 2007 and he was an animal in 2008, and won the most races. He’s not a household name across the world like some of the famous sportscar drivers, but send him to Le Mans and he’d outrun anyone in his car or class.”
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