Did Fernando Horta's #01 Audi R10 really give up the ghost after just three laps at Sebring, or was the Brazilian driver simply distracted by a rare Magic card summoned right on the apex of turn one?
The media room at Sebring International Raceway was buzzing with heavy gossip following Gil de Ferran's masterclass victory over 84 grueling laps in the #66 Acura ARX-02, finishing just 3.5 seconds ahead of Sascha Maassen's #06 Porsche. But everyone only wanted to talk about the early exit of our brave duude.
(Gossip Gazette - The Pit Lane Wire) Fernando, everybody in the paddock is saying you parked the #01 Audi after three laps because a Tarmogoyf spawned on the back straight and started eating your rear wing. Care to comment?
Fernando Horta (Driver #01): Look, man, it is completely absurd! It was not just any Tarmogoyf, it was a 7/8 with four card types in the graveyard because Mike Davies left his engine bits everywhere on lap two. What was I supposed to do? Drive right through a creature that gets bigger based on card types? My setup was ruined!
(Silvia Scalp - Card & Chassis Weekly) Right, but official timing shows you completed three laps before retiring in 13th place while Gil de Ferran cruised to take the LMP1 crown in 2:25:17. Was the Tarmogoyf stronger than your V12 diesel?
Fernando Horta (Driver #01): Absolutely! And do not even get me started on the mana curve of our pit strategy. We tapped out on lap one and never recovered. Total trash, man.
(Radio transcript - #01 Audi R10 pit wall, lap 2)
Skinner (#01 crew): Fernando, report! Are we pitting for tires or a counterspell?
Fernando Horta (#01 driver): MAN, I DO NOT KNOW! THE TRACK IS LITERALLY A JUND DECK!
Skinner (#01 crew): Just cast Wrath of God on the timing screen, it is the only way we stop De Ferran.
Ps. Moustache sends his regards from the gravel trap, muttering something about untapped lands and missing the braking point entirely.
