Tréluyer: “Continue our learning”

Since 2007, he has worked within the Pescarolo Sport team. But this year, Benoit Tréluyer will try to help Audi return to success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Nismo driver (Nissan sports branch) in Japan will drive an official R78 plus TDI during the 15th edition of the Le Mans classic, alongside André Lotterer and Marcel Fässler, two old acquaintances. A dream opportunity for the 2008 Super GT champion to shine in the biggest endurance race in the world. But before that, we will already have to run the 1000 km of Spa.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so eager to compete in an event, affirms the native of Alençon. Usually, I always arrive at a race with a little anxiety, nervousness, hoping that it goes well. There, I head towards Francorchamps without any pressure, as if I were going to a private test session. I'm relaxed because I feel ready. I think I have never been so well prepared before an LMP race. »

After numerous private test sessions, notably at Sebring and Le Castellet, Benoit will take the wheel of the new Ingolstadt car for the first time this weekend.

“It's a completely new car that we are going to drive this weekend since the shell is the one we will have at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, continues Tréluyer. In fact, our participation in this 2nd round of the LMS championship is primarily intended to be a dress rehearsal before the 24 Hours in real racing conditions. If victory is within our reach, we will do everything to obtain it, but that is not the main thing. Our primary objective is to get the team right, to ensure its perfect cohesion, and to see areas that can still be improved. We are here to continue our learning. So far everything has been very methodical during the four big test sessions already carried out. To date, I have accumulated more kilometers in the R15 TDI Plus than I have ever accumulated in an LMP1 car. During my previous participations in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, I only had a few handling laps each time. This year is very different. I will arrive in Sarthe feeling good in my head and in my body thanks to the many kilometers already covered. Once again, I feel ready. I'm comfortable in the car. This weekend, on this Spa track which I can't wait to rediscover, we will refine our preparation but, already, all the details have been reviewed. »

Qualifying did not go as planned for the crew of the No. 15 Audi R8, with André Lotterer having been delayed in his fast lap by a collision between two other competitors just in front of him. It is finally from a very honorable fifth place on the starting grid that the car of our three friends will set off. But in a 1000 km race, does it matter? We'll do the math at the end.