Monday, December 5, 2011

Audi's Tom Kristensen finishes second at 2011 Race of Champions

. Monday, December 5, 2011

Beating out the likes of F1 champ Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher, Audi-driver Tom Kristensen finished in second place, behind VW's new rally driver Sébastien Ogier, at yesterday's 2011 Race of Champions in Düsseldorf. In addition to Sunday's main event, Kristensen also finished second (with Juho Hanninen) for Team Nordic in the Nation's Cup behind Team Germany's fifth-straight win. Video highlights and interview with Tom Kristensen after the jump.



A word from Tom Kristensen following the 2011 Race of Champions:

You were in the Nations Cup final and also in the Race of Champions final. Satisfied with the weekend?

"Absolutely. I’m delighted to have made it onto the winners’ photo in both competitions. Sébastien Ogier is a worthy Champion; there is no doubt about this whatsoever. I was able to drive all the cars here in Düsseldorf. I particularly liked the Audi R8 LMS, which obviously is not only a force to be reckoned with in 24-hour races, but also is a lot of fun to drive in Stadium events.”

On one day you first beat Sebastian Vettel and then Michael Schumacher. How do you feel?

"Obviously it’s a fantastic thing, which you don’t experience that often in your career as a racing driver. Now I’m looking forward to getting home: my youngest son Oswald is a huge Vettel fan and just had to have his autograph. I got his signature first and then beat him.”

Is the sporting ambition or fun element that predominates at the Race of Champions?

"The combination of both makes this event so unique. It goes without saying that as race driver I want to win, but also I aim to have a great time with my many friends. Sometimes strange things happen: like all drivers I had a female passenger in the car when I raced against Vettel – however, mine talked and screamed all the time. I asked her to be a little quieter. But she merely answered she is live in television and should be working…”

Source: Audi Motorsport
Video: Race of Champions (YouTube)