Rene Rosin (Prema): “We are here to be protagonists”

A year after our first meeting here at Le Mans, how do you judge the journey taken up to the Centenary?

It was a very intense year. In 2022, we finished 2^e at Le Mans. It was a very big result for the team. We had a little problem during the night which made us lose a little chance of victory. Other than that, the whole team did an incredible job, it was our first season in Endurance, we also did and won theELMS, podium at Le Mans… I can only thank the drivers, mechanics and engineers who worked a lot. This year we decided to move to two cars and focus solely on the WEC because it was very intense with the two programs in 2022, especially for the team members. We started at Sebring with a nice podium for the No. 63 (Mirko Bortolotti-Daniil Kvyat-Dorian Pin). In Portimão and Spa we can say that we were fast but that we had bad luck. In Portugal, there was a Safety Car in the last hour which affected our strategy. Then in Belgium, Mirko made a mistake which cost us a penalty. I found it a bit harsh but that's how it is. Now we are fully focused on Le Mans. I am satisfied with our day yesterday (Wednesday) with our two cars qualified for the Hyperpole. We must now prepare for it. When it comes to racing, we need to keep the momentum going. We are all very motivated!

Did you expect to see your two cars among the 8 fastest in qualifying?

When we do something, we do it to be protagonists, to be at the forefront. The level is very high because there are teams like JOTA, United Autosports, Team WRT… These are teams that have a lot of experience. I think we got a very good result because looking at the field I see that WRT No. 41 is 2^e qualifications and No. 31 is 16^e (15^e after the loss of Racing Team Turkey's best time). However, the red flags forced us to do a stint in the middle of the session where we had a lot of traffic. That's why we have a little time before we set a time. Then we waited until the end to make new times. It's always special at Le Mans in qualifying, especially with 62 cars on track. Finding enough space to do one or two free laps is quite difficult, despite the length of the circuit.

Among the 8 qualified for the Hyperpole, can all of them claim pole position?

The level is very high, there is nothing to say. We have to do the best job possible but don't forget that there is a 24-hour race ahead. It will be important to have good reliability, not to make mistakes, to manage the strong times and the weak times regarding the performance.

Eyes on victory. ©Prema

Do you think your two cars can aim for class victory?

No. 63 has more experience than No. 9. There is a driver who has already done the 24 Hours with Mirko (Bortolotti) on the 63 and Bent (Viscaal) on the 9. We also have Daniil (Kvyat) and Dorian (Pin) who are doing an excellent job (on the No. 63) and on the other side Juan Manuel (Correa) and Filip (Ugran) are also fast. I think both cars can make their own history in these 24 Hours.

Personally, what are your expectations for the race?

Too difficult to answer (laughs). Anything can happen at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is said that it is Le Mans which chooses its winner. It will be necessary to monitor the evolution of the weather which could change during the race. There is a chance of a storm at the start. We have to wait for what our lord will do (laughs). On the other hand, I want to say that we are here to be protagonists but we must not forget the level of the other teams. We will do the best job possible and at the end of the race we will be able to say whether it was good or not.

How do you judge Doriane on her season which will compete in its first 24 Hours of Le Mans?

She has tremendous adaptability and very good speed. When she sees what other drivers are doing, I'm talking about GT winners or former GT drivers. F1, she always seeks to be as close as possible and to improve. If we look at sector 2 during the night session on Wednesday, it was the fastest until Mirko did his stint during which he had a very good time. She impresses me day by day, because of her motivation, her determination and the approach she has to work. He is someone who has a great desire for work and involvement in the team. This is something very important to me. She's great at that.

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