Historic success for Cadillac at the 6 Hours of São Paulo
Cadillac scored its first WEC success. The American team dominated the entire race with a certain ease.
A historic moment, but contrasted by the oddities of the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo. Without intending to downplay Cadillac’s performance, as we know they are in good form – the pole position at the 24 Hours of Le Mans proves the brand’s level – but finishing a minute ahead of the second place car – the other Cadillac – despite a drive-through raises questions. Especially since the major teams competing for the world title were nowhere to be seen.
Two Cadillacs on the podium when their best result so far was a third place, it’s quite a symbol. It’s also a comeback from all the mishaps that befell the cars with the magnificent V8. Between the accidents, missed strategies, driver errors… This one-two finish at Interlagos wipes all that away.
I am really happy for the boys, for the team, and everyone involved, because it took a lot of work and it was the first time we came together in a race. It’s truly a good feeling. Earl did a remarkable job, then Jensen did the same. Then, when I got in the car, I found myself in a very, very bad sequence of traffic and backmarkers, and it was really difficult. I think I really made the tires suffer with dirty air in general, and I really struggled to find my rhythm. It was a really tough battle, but we did it and got our first podium, rejoiced Sébastien Bourdais, in the #38.
Although this result, like those of other teams, should be put into perspective due to the more than questionable BoP at Interlagos, the Jota team achieved an incredible series. For the twelfth season, eleven of them consecutive, the team has managed to secure a victory in WEC.
It’s honestly impressive, like the progress we’re making. Since Imola, we keep improving. The fourth place at Le Mans is a good thing, but we obviously want to go further. Le Mans was already a very good performance for a team as new as ours today. One, two, with both Cadillacs and a first victory for me as well. Cadillac and Jota have been working on this car for several years now and for everyone involved, experiencing this kind of moment today is special. We’re going to keep pushing, but a big thank you to everyone. We’re going to enjoy this moment, adds Norman Nato from the #12 who crossed the line as the winner.
After the team’s rise in performance since the beginning of the season, and especially after the stint at Jota, Cadillac will need to confirm its performance level in Austin in two months. However, once again, the BoP could completely reshuffle the deck and skew the entire second part of the championship.
