Oreca continues its learning

Arriving in the United States, the staff and drivers of the Oreca team were aware of this: it was going to be very difficult to fight with the best LMP1s. But the result of the qualifications did not bring any disappointment in the ranks of the Signes team, as the objective of Petit Le Mans is to prepare for the next season.

« Sixth behind the De Ferran Motorsports Acura, this is our place given our inexperience here: the circuit is new for two of our drivers and for the car, confides Hugues de Chaunac, president of the Oreca group. Tomorrow, we have one objective: to reach the finish. If we run a wise race, if we follow our strategy to the letter, without making any mistakes, we will be in the running. The main thing is to gain experience for the future. »

Even if Oreca remains on two consecutive poles, at Portimao and Silverstone (Le Mans Series), the opposition has considerably strengthened by crossing the Atlantic. Aston Martin and Pescarolo are no longer there but Audi, Peugeot and Acura are sharper opponents. The pilots are well aware of this. “ With a little more time, we could still progress and get closer to Acura, however confides Nicolas lapierre. We are in our place on the grid and we are in an outsider position. We are going to bet on a solid race with a car that should be consistent. »

It also took Oreca a few days of running-in to get its bearings on the Road Atlanta circuit, unknown to two of the crew's drivers, Nicolas Lapierre and Olivier Panis. “ Road Atlanta is a real drivers' circuit, confides the former pilot of Formula 1. We needed some time to adapt. From now on, we have gained confidence: the more the days pass, the more fun we have. »

As for Romain Dumas, although he knew the circuit, the car was still unknown to him a week ago. But the Cévenol has integrated perfectly into the team and hopes that the work carried out during the week will facilitate the race of the Oreca 01 AIM. “ With Nicolas and Olivier, we form a homogeneous crew. And if we manage to avoid pitfalls, to stay within the leader's lap as long as possible, we can aim for a good result. »