Lapierre: “Gain experience”

Nicolas, what feeling do you have at the idea of ​​competing in the Petit event? Le Mans ?
This is really a good thing. It's good for us because it's a circuit that we don't know, with different rules, a different way of racing too, due to the increased presence of Safety cars. We are going to learn a lot.

You were able to ride last weekend to get your bearings. A positive outcome?
We didn't have much luck with the weather. But we were still lucky to have been able to do these two days of testing, it allowed us to familiarize ourselves with the track, which is not easy, with all its blind turns. It allowed us to get into the rhythm. We are ready to attack this weekend.

Did you prepare differently for this ten-hour race, compared to a Le Mans Series race (6 hours)?
It's pretty much the same approach. Six or ten hours is almost the same thing, even if it's a format that we don't really know. We will especially focus on preparing well at the tactical level. The approach to racing strategy is different because there are more Safety cars than in Europe. We must be ready on this point because this is where we can save or lose a lot of time.

Was this test weekend important before being able to attack such a race?
Oh yes, these tests were even essential in our decision to come here, both for the team and for the drivers. It was necessary to come and ride before in order to learn the track.

Does the arrival of Romain Dumas change your habits?
Yes, it changes a little, we had to review the driving position. But Romain adapted very well, rode well and, for us, it is a plus to have a driver who knows the United States and its circuits.

How do you judge the potential of the car, compared to what you have been able to do in recent weeks?
At Silverstone, we had a great race. We were fast in qualifying and showed good reliability in the race. But, here, it will not be the same level with Audi, Peugeot and Acura. It?s of another caliber. We are here to learn, to prepare for next season. We don?t have a specific objective other than to run a flawless race. We will count the points at the finish.

So the result of the race is not a priority?
Clearly not. We are here to gain experience. On a regular basis, I don't think we can compete with Audi and Peugeot. We will therefore be content to have the most beautiful race possible, as we were able to do at Le Mans this year.

Aren't you aiming for a better ranking than the Acura, which is not equipped with a diesel engine?
We will try to do the best we can. But Acura has cars designed for this type of circuit, while ours is more designed for a circuit like Le Mans. They have an advantage on this point. They also know the regulations and pit stops well? We will try to fight with them but they are clearly favorites over us.

After the races at Le Mans, Portimao and Silverstone, how do you judge the evolution of your LMP1?
A lot of work has been done. Since the takeover of Courage, Oreca has worked constantly and the car has progressed enormously. It must be said that the gap with the other cars was really significant at the start. It takes a long time to fill in, especially since the regulations don't help us. But Oreca has made good progress on the design of the car, in terms of the aero kit, but also in terms of operation: settings, strategy, management of pit-stops during the race. The team is learning a lot and gaining experience. The objective is to have a “tip top” team, ready for 2011, when we will have our new car.