Lapierre – Sarrazin: revenge to be taken

L’une des grandes nouvelles de l’intersaison a été votre retour, Nicolas, chez Toyota, dont vous avez été évincé courant 2014. Comment avez-vous vécu cela ?

Stephane Sarrazin : In December, we carried out a test session with the Oreca 07 in Sebring (Florida. Editor's note). While laughing, without certainty, we mentioned the possibility of him returning to the team. We knew there were advanced discussions with Audi drivers, but as soon as the field was clear, we campaigned for his return.

Nicolas lapierre : I always talk a lot with Stéphane and Seb (Buemi. Editor’s note), who told me they wanted me to return. As long as there were only two cars entered at Le Mans, it seemed complicated. Then the opportunities presented themselves. This return to LM P1, I believed in it, which is why I had a clause put in my contract with Signatech Alpine (under contract with Alpine en WEC, Nicolas was free to go to LM P1 if the opportunity presented itself. Editor’s note). My goal has always been to return to Toyota…

Do you feel like you have revenge to take in this race?

Nicolas lapierre : What I know is that we are a crew with great potential, that the car works really well and gives us the impression of being reliable. We did several endurance simulations without any problems. I find the team more serene than when I left.

Stephane Sarrazin : You should never be too confident, even if the last simulation ofEndurance que nous avons bouclée s’est excellemment bien passée. Et tout dépendra du niveau de performance de Porsche. Nous savons ce dont ils sont capables. Et puis, il y a trois voitures chez Toyota, toutes en mesure de s’imposer. Il ne faudra donc pas faire d’erreurs…

Discover the full interview with Nicolas Lapierre and Stéphane Sarrazin in the Guide des 24 Hours of Le Mans, still available in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.