Last season was among the most difficult in the history of Audi Sport Team Joest. After the team managed to claim the world championships in both 2012 and 2013, missing out on the championship last year was not in the script for Audi. It wasn’t for a want of trying at Audi, the team fought to defend their title throughout the eight race season, including winning the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans but in the end it was Toyota were crowned as the new world champions.
Even though it was not a third straight title for Audi, there were still reasons to celebrate. It was nine time Le Mans winner, Tom Kristensen’s last year in motorsport in 2014. In recognition of his achievements, the French publication, L’Equipe gave the the 47 year old Dane the honorary title “Champion of Champions” along with a gold trophy. The prize has been the newspaper’s honour for Athlete of the Year since 1945.
Kristensen’s teammate Andre Lotterer was also recognised for his achievements over the same few days. The Belgian Automobile Club RACB handed the German born racer an award for his third victory at Le Mans last year. Motorsport legend and 6 time Le Mans Winner Jacky Ickx presented Lotterer, who grew up in Belgium, with a trophy and a cartoon drawing of him in his Audi R18.
Source – Audi Motorsport Press Material