Kristensen joins the legends

"When I watched Jacky winning as a kid, I could never have dreamed that I would one day do the same thing," says Kristensen. "All I can say is that I am very proud, and absolutely thrilled to win again. But Jacky was The Man and he will remain The Man."

The Dane had to watch in the pits as his co-driver Seiji Ara had to fend off a charge from the Audi UK car of Johnny Herbert. Some had suspected that Ara could be the weak link in the driving team of Kristensen and Dindo Capello. The doubters said Ara should not have been left in the car for the finish, but the Japanese proved them all completely wrong.

"At lunchtime I was pretty confident we would win, but at 3pm I thought it was going to be difficult. But Seiji controlled it wonderfully," said Kristensen. "When we explained what he had to do over the radio and he said, 'I understand,' then I knew everything would be OK.

"I wasn't thinking about doing the last stint at all. We had agreed before the race that I would go for the pole, Dindo would take the start and Seiji would finish.
"I will take a Le Mans win any way it comes. But this one was especially exciting, waiting for the end of the race. The close fight made the wait seem longer than normal. It was thrilling."

Kristensen also revealed that he'd been in contact with both Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell (perhaps the only other Le Mans racer who one might mention in the same breath) before the race.

"Derek came down to the garage half an hour before the end and smiled at me. I think I smiled back at him...I'm not sure because it wasn't over at that time and things were nervous! And then there was Jacky Ickx saying the same thing three weeks ago. That put a bit of pressure on me!

"The fact that those guys wish you luck and congratulate you just shows that sportscar racers are gentlemen, and how much sportsmanship there is at this race."

Kristensen has been modest as ever after his day of days, and that is part of what makes him so popular with everyone in the paddock and the grandstands. The Dane loves the fans as much as they love him, and appreciates Le Mans as much as they do.

"This place is the Mecca of sportscar racing. It's like a big family here at Le Mans, with fans from Denmark, Japan, Britain, France, wherever. And they all have a great time!"

The Kristensen modesty also means he might tend to underplay his own role in his success, which now includes four wins for Audi, one for Bentley and one for Porsche.

"There are a few reasons why I have done well at this race. Great cars, great teams and great people that I work with - in every year that I have won here. I have just been one small part of it each time.

"For this one, say thanks to Dindo, to Seiji and to Mr Goh for putting this team together. I've always had co-drivers who are honest and are willing to give their best for the team. I've just been blessed with great people and great cars.

"There are so many people who have had to do with my success I would rather not try and name them all. I'd rather go down, look each of them in the eye and say thanks."