Phil Hanson :” I’m going to the Red Bull Ring to win”

Q: LMP2 is an ultra-competitive class this season and it hasn’t been the easiest start of the ELMS season for you and the team.  Are there going to be any changes for the next race at The Red Bull Ring?

Yes, this year’s level of competition is much tougher than last year with all the new teams and tough driver line ups. I think we have had some good showings in pace and performance. We just seem to have a spell of back luck, with mechanical issues in Paul Ricard, after a very strong test, to a really strong Monza race at our weakest track, which then fell apart because of a very harsh drive through penalty. I think we are due a good weekend, but from what I’ve seen of our pace in testing when we do get a weekend with no drama I think we will be tough to beat. The approach for RBR is the same as all the others, I’m going there to win, now more than ever after not getting the results I think we have deserved.

Q: Your 2018 teammate Filipe Albuquerque is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid.  How are the two of you getting along and in what areas is Filipe’s experience helping you? 

Filipe Is a great teammate with loads of experience and talent that I hope to pick up on. He’s also a really likeable guy so he makes the weekends really enjoyable as well as very professional when it comes time to set the purple sectors.

Q: What are your thoughts on the circuit at the Red Bull Ring?  What is your favourite corner?

It’s one of my favourite circuits on the ELMS calendar with undoubtedly the nicest paddock, but also a track that makes traffic management and one lap pace for when you do get a clear lap more crucial than other circuits. I don’t have a favourite corner as they are all similar in aspects but I’m a fan of the way they come together to make a very fast flowing middle sector as well as the slow speed elements in the first couple corners.