Blundell's view: Le Mans review.

Bentley boy Mark Blundell finished a fantastic second at the Le Mans 24 Hours two weeks ago, driving the number eight car, with David Brabham and Johnny Herbert, here the Brit reflects on that race, the team's one-two result, thrashing the Audis and much, much more...

Q:
Mark, you finished second at Le Mans, two laps behind the number 7 Bentley, how happy were you with this?

Mark Blundell:
It was a bitter-sweet result really, great to be second but on the other hand we so wanted to win. At least we were part of the overall winning team though!

Q:
The other car finished first - making it a Bentley one-two. How did the team react?

MB:
The team were great, they really enjoyed themselves but I felt for our guys as they had worked very hard over the last six months, also our car was the fastest on the racetrack over the 24 hours but we just spent too much time in the pits with small problems.

Q:
What were the post-race celebrations like after the Bentley win, their first since 1930?

MB:
Mega, and then a great dinner in the Savoy in London - just like they use to do in the 1920's!

Q:
How did you, David Brabham and Johnny Herbert, split the 24 hours? How many hours did you do? How many laps?

MB:
I did three triple stints, a little more than the others so it was a long weekend, but well worth it.

Q:
A lot of cars had mechanical problems, how reliable were the two Bentleys?

MB:
The number 7 car was first class, but our car had a couple of issues but mostly things out of our hands as a team. These things happen in motorsport.

Q:
You must have been pretty knackered, how long until you recovered from your exertions?

MB:
It takes a long time because of all the stuff that went on for the rest of the week. It's very tiring.

Q:
How do you manage to stay up so long, is it just adrenalin or do you have any other strategies?

MB:
It's Le Mans who wants to go to sleep anyway!

Q:
What did you make of your opposition? Were you surprised that the two Bentleys were so far ahead at the end of the third placed car, the Champion Audi?

MB:
I thought that the Audis would have been stronger but Bentley have lifted the pace yet again now, which is full credit to the team. They did a magnificent job.

Q:
The two Bentleys qualified one-two. How pleasing was this? Were you, David and Johnny disappointed to be second?

MB:
We were, but we had no clear lap and just got screwed when we were out on track. Our second was okay though.

Q:
What was the atmosphere like and the fans?

MB:
Brilliant, so many Brits were there and at the end it was mega standing on the podium - it would have been nice to have been on the top step but maybe next year...

Q:
Looking ahead to next year's Le Mans, will you be returning with Bentley?

MB:
It would be nice but there are lots of things to consider before the end of the year.

Q:
What are your plans - racing and non-racing - for the rest of the year?

MB:ITV-F1 show and a holiday!

Q:
Thanks Mark, and congratulations.