Webber: Audi “ran out of bullets” in duel with Porsche

After a disastrous start to the season, the #1 Porsche 919 Hybrid of Webber, Timo Bernhard and Brendon Hartley took its first win of the season after a thrilling six-hour race between themselves and the chasing Audis.

Even a slow puncture, when Hartley was at the wheel, didn’t derail their bid for victory and they won by over 50s.

“I think we just wore them down,” Webber told Motorsport.com. “They lost some car speed at the end of the race, and had to throw everything at us with even a double stint on the tyres.

“It was a clinical afternoon for us, which was the first time in a long time. It’s nice to have a smooth day. I think car #1 completely deserved the victory. Timo and Brendon were awesome.

“It was nice that Audi ran out of bullets in the end but we expect them to be strong in Mexico.”

Cooler conditions swung battle in Porsche’s favour

Changing track conditions and several full course yellows added an extra layer of difficulty to the event, but the #1 Porsche was able to execute its strategy.

“The track getting a bit cooler in the last two or three hours made it a bit better for us,” added Webber. “We were also very good in the pitlane. The pitstops were very good for us today.

“We’ve still got areas to improve. It’s nice when you can improve and you’re still winning.

“Of course Audi is also in the VW Group, but we still love to beat them. The level was very high today at the front.

“We just have to look at the full course yellows, how we can make them a bit better because they’re swinging the race a bit too much. In the end it was a brilliant performance by Porsche.”