ELMS – Panis-Barthez attacks 2018 with a reinforced crew

In accordance with what we announce to you in No. 2156 ofCARhebdo, available on newsstands as well asin digital version, the Panis-Barthez Compétition team profoundly modified its crew before tackling theEndurance Le Mans Series (ELMS) as well as 24 Hours of Le Mans (Sarthe, June 14-16).

Among the drivers entered in 2017, only the young Timothé Buret (22 years old) continues the adventure within the team managed by the Tech 1 Racing. Exit for now Fabien Barthez; the former goalkeeper of the French football team explains his sidelining “for reasons that have nothing to do with sport. I warned the guys very early on: “Go without me in 2018.” In my mind, aware of the sacrifices and the challenges, it’s the team first! Concerning me, it was not possible to drive two months ago, but the situation has changed somewhat. We'll see what solution we can find. Le Mans remains an important objective », recalls the French champion FFSAGT 2013.

The 1998 world champion is replaced by another world champion: Julien Canal. Whirling with Rébellion in LM P2 last year (titled in WEC), the 35-year-old from Le Mans will have the role of road captain due to his technical background. “2018 will be my ninth year in endurance. So I'm not hiding, I'm here to bring my experience, my attention to the small details that make the difference: traffic management, driver changes, driving position... I want everything I have accumulated over these years serves the Panis-Barthez Competition and my two teammates. »

Julien Canal will have two young men at his side. Passed by the Formula 1 at Caterham and Manor, Will Stevens will try his hand at driving a prototype again, after an excursion in GTE Am with Ferrari and in Blancpain with Audi. “Driving an endurance prototype is an exciting exercise. I realized this in 2016, when I entered competitively in an LM P2, with a second place in category on my debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. »

That’s what I call a damn fine trio… Can’t wait for #2018 to begin! Is not it @WillStevens_, @timotheburet and Julien Canal? It will send gas.#ELMS # LEMANS24 #JustRaceIt @TotalRacingFR @Michelin_Sport @PanisBarthez #FabienBarthez pic.twitter.com/QE3OGvv5uH

— olivier panis (@olivier_panis) March 16, 2018

“Last year I focused on the GT universe and that allowed me to become a more complete driver. But this year, I am extremely happy to be back in an LM P2, which represents what I like about driving: powerful engine, solid downforce, competitive tires”, indicates the 26-year-old Briton.

Timothé Buret will have the knowledge of the team on his side. The Frenchman will begin his third full season in Endurance on a good basis. “Going back for a third year with the same team is a major asset. We will be able to capitalize on two years of work and effort. Having two new teammates excites me because they have two interesting profiles: the experience of Julien Canal and the speed of Will Stevens. I see two references there for me. »

The first of six rounds of the ELMS is scheduled at Paul-Ricard (Var) on April 15.