Gavin (Corvette): “Le Mans was a real bonus for us”

The 24 Hours of Le Mans represent the main meeting for the stables ofEndurance, but the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed several players in the event to review their plans. This is particularly the case of Corvette Racing which had to travel to Sarthe with its new C8.R before forfeit.

Hired full-time in IMSA, Corvette Racing will nevertheless be able to concentrate on its program on the New Continent where it won its last GTLM title in 2018. Oliver Gavin, driver of the No. 8 C3.R with Tommy Milner, believes however that the cancellation of the trip to France is a significant gap for the team.

“Honestly, I never thought that our trip to Le Mans was bad for our chances in IMSA, indicated the Corvette Racing veteran. I always felt that Le Mans made us a better team, that this race sharpened our concentration by giving us the chance to race against other opponents. Le Mans was a real bonus and we came back a little stronger and wiser. »

“It’s a disappointment not to go, admitted Oliver Gavin, but there are many things we don't particularly like this year. We just have to make the best of every situation. »

Oliver Gavin is nevertheless preparing to return to competition soon by returning to the wheel of the Corvette C8.R with his American teammate at Daytona on July 4. The Briton has long been uncertain about his chances of returning to race in the USA with the health measures linked to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We were a little anxious about it, especially in the last few months when we found out that Sebring was going to be postponed and no one knew what was going to happen next., explained the Briton. Ben Johnson (the team manager) and the entire Corvette Racing team kept us in the loop. They all worked tirelessly, as did IMSA. We were at home for many weeks not knowing what was going to happen. But if we look at other disciplines, everyone is in the same situation. People find solutions and that’s great! »