Another classic for Richard Lietz

Another classic for Richard Lietz
Auto News- 24 Heures du Mans 2012

Double winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the former LM GT2 class, Richard Lietz appeared last weekend at Daytona, winning the GT class in a second legendary endurance race for Porsche, manufacturer with whom he continued in 2012.
His first appearance and first class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans was in 2007 as a Porsche factory driver. After competing in Porsche series (German Carrera Cup and Super Cup), the Austrian driver started with a bang in endurance and his record has continued to grow since then. After the GT Open in the first year in 2007, he has won two straight titles in the Le Mans Series with Marc Lieb and Proton Competition in 2008 and 2009 and a second victory at Le Mans in 2010, still with Proton Competition and still with Marc Lieb, but reinforced with Wolf Henzler, both Porsche factory drivers.

Last weekend, the three drivers met to contest the 24 Hours of Daytona for Porsche, driving for three different teams (Magnus Racing, Brumos Racing and TRG). There could be only one winner and it was Richard Lietz who won. "I am very pleased with the victory," said the Austrian, "as the Daytona race is very hard with a lot of cars on the track. We were fortunate not to have contact. I also found very nice that the three Proton Competition who were winners at Le Mans in 2010 together on the podium! "

Richard Lietz won, Wolf Henzler finished second in the same lap as the winners and Marc Lieb completed the podium. Is avictory at Daytona is so different from a victory at Le Mans? "The only difference is that I won a nice show in Florida! "Said Richard Lietz, humor, referring to the title sponsor of the event in the United States.

The Austrian driver was able to share the joy of the podium with his usual teammate, he will soon rejoin at the 12 Hours of Sebring. He will try to add one more to his list of classic American races, his best performance to date is a modest fifth place in the LM GT2. He will continue with the WEC if the entry of Proton Competition is accepted and practice sessions for Porsche. "I just hope", said Richard Lietz, "my schedule allows me to participate in a rally, my passion ..."

Interview by Cécile Bonardel
Photo : LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), 24 HEURES DU MANS, SUNDAY 5th JUNE 2011. After the 24 Heures du Mans, Richard Lietz takes victory in another twice-around-the-clock classic, the 24 Heures de Daytona.

Photo : François NAVARRO - ACO/Nikon