Le Mans hero Kristensen didn't need F1 to be a legend - McNish

McNish told AUTOSPORT that the achievements of Kristensen, who on Wednesday announced his retirement from motor racing after this month's Interlagos World Endurance Championship finale, ranked him alongside many F1 legends.

"Without a doubt Tom is one of the all-time greats, and I am not talking sportscar racing, I am talking motor racing in general," said the Scot, who claimed the 2013 WEC drivers' title together with Kristensen and Loic Duval.

"A lot of F1 drivers would love to have had Tom's career; it doesn't matter that he didn't get to F1.

"His record speaks for itself: nine wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours will be difficult to get near let alone beat, and then you have to take into account his [six] wins in the Sebring 12 Hours and other big victories."

McNish also pointed out that Kristensen had been successful in the DTM, Super Touring cars and, in his formative years, single-seaters.

"Tom has been quick and successful in everything he has driven," continued McNish.

"In my opinion, he has been one of the most versatile and adaptable drivers ever — he has the capability to be quick in any kind of car.

"And those skills are what made him such a great sportscar driver.

"He is 'Mr Le Mans' because of that adaptability — he could deal with anything that the 24 Hours threw at him."

McNish, who retired at the end of last season, was teamed with Kristensen at Audi from 2006 and their triumphs together included two Le Mans victories and three in the Sebring 12 Hours, as well as last year's WEC success.