ELMS – Mailleux: “Race Performance trusts me”

It is a relief for you to have a program for the entirety of theELMS after your premature end to the season last year?

We had a great year with Morand Racing last year, our relations were good, and it was all the sadder to end the season after obtaining a second podium at the Red Bull Ring. It is a real satisfaction to see that teams are still ready to invest in drivers who have good experience and a solid track record. Race Performance trusts me and I am delighted. This approach contributes to strengthening the level of the ELMS field which has achieved a superb rebound.

Race Performance had a difficult season last year, only taking sixth place in the Championship. Does this worry you?

The fact is that Patric Niederhauser did not have experience in Endurance. He is a young and competitive driver, but he had not acquired the knowledge necessary for the discipline such as tire management for example. This obviously had an impact on the results. For my part, I know the Oreca 03 well having driven with it in 2011 (ALMS, ILMC and second place in LMP2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans) and 2012 (WEC and ninth place in the category in Sarthe) with Signatech. We will have a good package even if the Morgans (with which Franck Mailleux rode last year) are also efficient.

You must be waiting impatiently for the provisional list of entries at Le Mans (ACO conference to follow Thursday at 14:30 p.m. live on AUTOhebdo.fr) since Race Performance has submitted an entry request?

Absolutely, but I would be very surprised if we were not selected or even included on the list of substitute teams. I am lucky enough to know the identity of the third driver and I can tell you that he is really very competitive…

Do you have any other sporting plans for this year?

I would obviously like to complete my program with GT races because I have good experience in this type of Championship, particularly after having driven several times with Volkswagen at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. I would like to participate in events like those organized by Blancpain and that other teams like Race Performance are ready to invest in drivers capable of bringing a real plus to the team.