Doriane Pin discovering Daytona

It is a new world that we discover Dorian Pin at the 24 Hours of Daytona where she will represent the Iron Dames in the GTD category alongside Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting and Rahel Frey. « It's my first time in the United States, told the 19-year-old young woman to AUTOhebdo. There were a lot of emotions when I arrived because I told myself that the journey so far had been crazy. I am very happy to represent the Iron Dames project here this year. »

The Tricolor thus discovers the American circuits and the atmosphere specific to Daytona, with a large audience including for the tests and above all very close to the drivers in an open paddock. « We arrived last week (before the Roar. Ed.) and it was crazy to see the audience there was here for the tests, says the Habs. The circuit is nice too. I was surprised by the inclination of the banking during the track walk. I didn't imagine it like that. The interior part is quite technical with bumps. »

Driver change for the Iron Dames during Daytona testing (Photo: Iron Lynx)

“Pocket Rocket” also had to deal with traffic during these tests, a key element of the Florida classic, in addition to discovering the car. The Iron Ladies did not have the opportunity to test the new Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 before crossing the Atlantic. « This is completely new to us and there are lots of things to learn. This has nothing to do with the Ferrari, even if it remains a GT. We had quite a few tests before the race and the team worked a lot, but this was our biggest challenge. »

This won't be Doriane Pin's first race in a Lamborghini as she took part in the Super Trofeo finals last season with teammate Michelle Gatting, but the Huracáns used in this one-make competition are very different from the new iteration of the GT3.  « We find similar things there, but the Super Trofeo and the GT3 have nothing to do, confirms the pilot. The GT3 represents a further step, it is much precise with more aero, more downforce, more settings, etc. »

Three cars for Iron Lynx

The Iron Lynx structure came in force to Daytona with no less than three cars. In Florida, Doriane Pin rubs shoulders with pilots like Mirko Bortolotti or Romain Grosjean, who is also discovering the car this weekend. « We have been working together for two weeks, we are holding meetings together to discuss and improve the car. It’s really good and very interesting to get feedback from them. » 

By comparing the data with the No. 63 in which the Italian and the Frenchman are engaged, Doriane Pin knows that it is in the first sector of the International Speedway that she must improve. “ This is where I lose the most, but these are small details. The most important thing in the race will be to be consistent and not make mistakes. »

The Iron Dames achieved the 15th fastest time in the GTD in qualifying (Photo: Iron Lynx)

With a pace below Mercedes to Aston Martin, the Lamborghinis will have to rely on strategy to move up the rankings. « You will have to be intelligent about the race strategy. It's particular in the United States, as long as there is a Safety Car, we can resume our turn. You will have to stay calm and concentrated with all the traffic around. »

An analysis which echoes that of his teammate Romain Grosjean. See you this Saturday from 19:40 p.m. (French time) to see if the “Lambos” will manage to slip through the traffic of the 24 2023 Hours of Daytona.

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