Andre Lotterer compares Cobras with LMP
Wherever you go at the Goodwood Revival you can be sure a Le Mans 24-Hour winner will never be far away. And this year there is a new face among the elite band: Andre Lotterer. We have seen the three-times winner of the French classic (with the Audi works LMP1 team in 2011, 2012, and 2014) at the Festival of Speed before but this is his first Revival.
Andre was driving two cars: an Alfa Romeo 1600 GTA in the St Mary’s (he came ninth) and an AC Cobra in the RAC TT Celebration race on Sunday. Ahead of the big race, we collared him for a quick chat…
Welcome to Revival Andre – a good day so far?
From what I have seen of the Revival I think any day is a good day at Goodwood. I am speechless it is such an amazing event. I have walked everywhere, taken lots of pictures and seen lots of cars I want. There is such a fantastic atmosphere and I love that everyone dresses up. For three days here you live in this fantastic world. It will be hard to get back to reality.
You are racing two very different types of car…
I enjoyed the Alfa in the St Mary’s, especially all the sideways action and my battle with Stig Blomqvist in the Mini. The Alfa GTA is a nice car. It is not a car to win that race but who cares? I loved it.
The Cobra is very different and I prefer it. It is more my style, more power and great drivability. It is very nicely built and I feel very comfortable with it. It is a great privilege to race it. I would love to own a Cobra.
You are bit of a classic car fan then?
Yes I love classic cars. I have a Porsche 911 2.7 RS, a 1967 Ford Mustang GT fastback, a Porsche 964 3.8 RS, an Audi Sport Quattro and am about to purchase a Porsche 356 Speedster.
How was your qualifying in the Cobra?
We qualified ninth on the grid for TT. Not bad, but I couldn’t improve on my time today, I don’t know why. I am looking forward to enjoying myself in the race like I did in the St Mary’s.
Can you imagine what it was like to race a Cobra at Le Mans?
I think I can. It would be okay. The car has amazing torque and it is quite a gentle car to drive. You are not fighting with it, just dancing with it.
There is of course such a difference with the cars I race today. The racing at Goodwood is so close and fantastic because the cars don’t have downforce. With downforce it is different racing.
Do you prefer it?
That is hard to say. Every era is special. Every era has its beauty but here at Revival we have really picked the best.
As well as Formula E, you are racing in LMP1 with Rebellion Racing. How is that going?
The World Endurance Championship changed a lot when Audi and Porsche pulled out. There are only two teams left. At Rebellion Racing we are doing our best but everything has sadly changed and it is not what it used to be.
Is it sad? Or maybe the start of something new?
Yes is it sad because we don’t have Audi and Porsche any more in LMP1. Let us hope that in two or three years something new will come and we can fight again. I think the idea of racing more production car-based hypercars is a great concept. If they are fast even better.
What’s the best car car you have ever driven?
The Porsche 919 Evo, at Spa just for a day. (When the car lapped Spa faster than the F1 lap record – ed)
And finally, apart from a Cobra, what else would you like to take home from Goodwood to add to your car collection?
Almost everything. The Aston Martins and Jaguars are beautiful, and there are some amazing Ferraris. The 250 SWB is really pretty. I am into coupes.