Dumas: “A sprint from start to finish”

Romain Dumas, last winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, participates with undisguised joy in this 59th edition of the American classic, a myth in the raw. “The particularity of the race comes from a multitude of factors, explains the Alésien. First of all, Sebring is the first race of the season, which makes it really different. This is the first time that we see the regulars in the paddocks again after several months without activity and some teams arrive with their new car in which they are pinning all their hopes for the new season. So this is the opportunity to discover what's new for the new year! The atmosphere is also very special with all the fans in the paddock among the cars, a bit like at Road Atlanta, with a more “crazy” side: we come across sofas on pick-ups from all over the country right in the middle. of the paddock. The fans stay until the end of the race because the format often leads to very close victories. Then, it's nice and warm while in Europe it's still winter, which doesn't spoil anything! Finally, the circuit also brings its touch of originality with many bumps: if a car passes the 12 Hours test at Sebring, it will hold up everywhere else, notably 24 hours at Le Mans! »

Romain Dumas will start at Sebring at the wheel of an Audi R15 plus, for his last race before entering the museum. On paper, the German team is not the favorite. But the Alésien has a habit of beating the odds. Sebring, 2008. Against all odds, the official driver Porsche wins the race at the wheel of a Porsche RS Spyder. The LMP2 then beats the Audi and the Peugeot yet widely favorites. “We have always remained in the leaders’ lap, he recalls. Of course, we were not the fastest on the track, but our strategy paid off and we were lucky that the safety car came out at the right time. I had broken my knee during the Porsche drivers' preparation week at the beginning of 2008 and I only had to complete around ten laps with the Spyder in order to score points for the title, my knee not being restored. 100%. Finally, I spent 2 hours behind the wheel and crossed the finish line as the winner! For me, it remains a great moment in my career and one of my greatest victories because no one expected us there. We were in the 'small' category against Audi and Peugeot and we climbed to the top of the podium, the victory was even more rewarding than that of Le Mans last year! » Le Mans precisely, where it distinguished itself in 2010 despite the displayed superiority of the 908 HDI FAP.

The 12 Hours of Sebring has the particularity of being a very open race, should this year be no exception to the rule? Peugeot intends to baptize its new 908 with a victory. Audi intends to add a final line to the list of achievements of its R15. And HPD could well surprise. The recipe for success is simple: “a reliable car, fast because the race is a sprint from start to finish, and above all, above all, an excellent strategy! » concludes Romain Dumas.

Meet from 15:15 p.m. (French time) to follow the first free practice session

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