Mathias Beche : « Feel like a war machine »
Winner of the European Le Mans Series in 2012 with Thiriet by TDS Racing and Pierre Thiriet, Mathias Beche made his comeback in the Hérault based team this week end at Imola. Now, REBELLION driver in LMP1, the Swiss did not take long time to take up his marks at the wheel of the ORECA 03. The proof, this comeback resulted by a victory at the 3 Hours of Imola.
Mathias, what is your point of view after winning at Imola?
“I remember the race in 2011 at Imola with TDS Racing and Pierre, where we really dominated. By this performance, we started to assert ourselves without make it real with a victory. This time this was very different. I did not think to come back here and win straight away as I did not drive the ORECA 03 since 7 months! I knew that the race would be difficult and the car has evolved with the new Dunlop tires. We had to find the good settings with very few practices, knowing that the behavior of the car was still far from what I like before the start of the race. But finally, we had a good car and the worth really comes down to Jacques Morello who took risks and did a great job.”
According to your words, everything did not seem very easy. But you gave the feeling of being like a fish to water at the first free practice..
“Under the rain I set the best time in the first session and it was a nice way to start the weekend. However, I had to take back my automatisms: the ORECA 03 LMP2 is very different from the closed LMP1 I used to drive. And in this class, in ELMS, you really have to be on top to fight at the front. I have found again a team that I know very well, my habits, but I was not very comfortable in the car after the qualification. I really needed some times to regain my marks.“
In the race, did you find back your feelings?
“Yes, especially in the second stint. We managed to overtake the stints with the tires, I felt better and I was able to tackle to dig a gap. We also found good ways of work for the future. Regarding the race, it should also be noticed the performance of Pierre. I come to the stand as leader, but he come out second. He picked up the win as much as me. He showed more confidence, nerve and authority in his driving! It is so nice.”
The package Thiriet by TDS – Pierre Thiriet – Mathias Beche – Oreca is reformed and the victory is once again at the end, like few months ago. However, the races seem very contested…
“The championship is very competitive with teams very close. So logically, races are tight but we did not make any mistakes. The team had the right strategy and made good pit stops. This all make we had won. The team gives the feeling of being a war machine. All the elements put together make Thiriet by TDS Racing a very complete team. I’m not saying they will win everything and they are unbeatable: an error can happen, but it now follows a real dynamic of victory. And we can still improve on settings and that can further improve our level of performance…”
At the 24 hours of Le Mans, you will be racing in LMP1. Will you follow the performance of the Thiriet by TDS Racing team?
“Le Mans, it’s so special that I will be in my bubble. Obviously I will keep an eye on the team. We have raced together for two entire years and we always kept in touch, we call each other regularly. I will certainly do not have time to look at it in details because I’ll be focused on my goal with REBELLION, but I will always have a look at the results. The ORECA 03 is a reliable car and it can win the 24 hours of Le Mans. I hope this will be the case with Thiriet by TDS Racing.”
You were not at Silverstone in ELMS, so won’t be able to fight for the title in 2013. So, what is your goal then?
“I will do everything so that the team can win the championship again. If this is the case, and even if I missed a race, the flavor won’t be different. I also know that I’m awaited as the standing champion. Somewhere, coming back in LMP2 alongside LMP1, it’s taking a risk. And even more because I did not drive before coming here. The goal is to stay on top to win the next races, helping the team and Pierre to win titles. In the end, I am glad to raise this challenge in Imola. I am also pleased to notice the constant evolution of Pierre. This is the proof that we have done overall in the last two seasons. His progress is really something that is important to me.”