They’re about to take part in Le Mans

Drivers, team managers, mechanics, engineers or those working in logistics, all these people have something in common: they will participate in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans as members of a team entering one or several ORECA chassis. Each will be playing their own key part in this legendary race, ensuring it goes smoothly for their respective team. During the Test Day, they have told us in turns how they feel in this week coming up to Le Mans. Seriousness, humour and thrills: come and meet our teams behind the scenes.

Bart Hayden – Team manager – Vaillante Rebellion
“Exciting Tiring Intense”

“The 24 Hours of Le Mans are the crucial event of the year, the one that captures our full attention. It’s the most important race for our team. This challenge is planned one year for the next. As soon as the race ends, we start working on the following edition.
During the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Team manager’s role doesn’t differ that much. The event is bigger but the work itself remains the same: to plan and to prepare before the event. Everything needs to be ready the week of the race.
Once we’re on the starting grid, just before the race begins, and we hear the French anthem, we get goose bumps. We’re aware of this race’s history, and of the passion inhabiting all of the people involved. We’re excited, full of hopes but also scared, we want to do our best, and that’s why everything needs to go smoothly, with a sprinkle of luck too.”

Roman Rusinov – Driver – G-Drive Racing Driver
“Difficult Luck Preparation”

“I’m approaching the 24 Hours of Le Mans just like any other races. Of course, it’s the most difficult one because anything can happen, and a small part which is worth less than one euro could ruin everything. Preparation is key but that’s also the case for other races. If the work we’ve conducted this winter pays off, and if luck is on our side, we’d have everything to fight for a good result. A lot of guests (journalists, VIPs, etc.) will be attending the event. I’m spending a lot of time preparing their visit ahead of time so that I can then later focus on my main job: to drive. It’s a fantastic event for spectators. I really enjoy this race. It’s hard but also so unique, that’s what makes Le Mans a legendary challenge.”

Elton Julian – Team Principal –DragonSpeed – 10 Star
“The most important one”

“We’re approaching Le Mans quite carefully. For a young team like ours, there are a lot of specificities that we’re discovering. We’re trying to be as organised and calm as possible. We’ve prepared and are approaching this weekend like no other, with all the respect this race deserves. Le Mans is so special. Having been selected to take part in it is a reward in itself. We’re going to put all chances on our side to achieve the best result.”

Bob Friend – Chief mechanic – Jackie Chan DC Racing by Jota
“Little sleep”

“Our preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans started back in January. We had to think about all the parts we’d need for the WEC season, including specific ones for Le Mans. I’m so busy that I don’t pay so much attention to the whole aura around the event. My work isn’t that different during Le Mans, compared to the rest of the season. Yet Le Mans is quite something, and during the race you always feel like everything is more urgent than usual. The pressure is more obvious. My favourite moment during the week coming up to the race is when I give myself five minutes to really feel the atmosphere while listening to each team’s and driver’s national anthem. I’ve always had the feeling that French and English fans sing so passionately to really support their teams and drivers. Though I like to think that the English sing louder than the French!”

François Perrodo – Driver – TDS Racing
“Legendary Demanding Exhilarating”

“I’m approaching Le Mans as well as possible, particularly in terms of physical preparation. It’s a standard WEC race, except that it is four times longer. The goal is to be in the best form. The race itself isn’t that hard to manage, it’s rather the preceding week that is very intense. With the new LM P2s top speed, I’m really looking forward to seeing how the race turns out. It’s not that easy to participate in such a legendary event. The idea is to try to remove the mystique surrounding the race itself in order to approach it in the most normal way possible, without forgetting what a privilege it is to take part in it. Points are doubled in Le Mans. So we’re going to try to score some good points without taking maximum risks. The aim is to cross the finish line.”

Laura Booth – Logistics – Manor WEC
“The best race in the world”

“Precise scheduling is essential to guarantee an optimum management of this event. I constantly need to ensure that drivers and team members are where they need to be and at the right time. According to me, Le Mans is totally different from any other races, not only vis-à-vis the racing hours themselves but also regarding all of the events running alongside and in which drivers have to take part, such as the parade for instance. To participate in one of the most prestigious races in the world is both stressful and exciting.”

David Vincent – Workshops and operations manager – Signatech-Alpine-Matmut
“Tough Magical Thrilling”

“We’re trying to manage our stress as best we can. Nothing should be left to chance, no loose ends, that’s what we’re aiming for. As for me, I have to manage my time well, to know how to prioritise according to needs and to synchronise everybody’s tasks in order to be ready on time.

Le Mans is one of the greatest races in the world, I’m very proud to be taking part in it, I’m really excited and I’m feeling humble approaching it.

Le Mans is the culminating point of an ascent which actually starts right at the end of the last race of the previous season.”

Florent Cardonne – Data engineer – Graff Racing
“Face and defy limits”

“Le Mans is the climax of several months of preparation. We’re so impatient obviously, full of energy and more than ever involved. In just a couple of seconds, anything could happen… My job is to take care of the car and to monitor constants, working with the mechanics towards preventive maintenance, in order to complete the 24 Hours. I’m also in charge of diagnosing the hazards that come up during the race in order to waste the least amount of time and react efficiently. I’m controlling all of the car’s electronic and mechanical systems; and there’s a lot on board an LM P2! Taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a wish come true for me. It will be my first entry. I’m now on the same side as all the participants I admired as a spectator when I was younger. It’s magical to have the opportunity to fight in this legendary race.”