Le Mans – Hirschi: The goal? “See the finish”

After a more than convincing performance during the closing round of the LMS last year, Jonathan Hirschi convinced the bosses of the Race Performance team to trust him in 2012. The Swiss thus finds himself involved in a complete program including the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In addition, he also took part in the 6 Hours of Spa, on May 5, to best prepare for the double clock tour at Le Mans.

Yes, but the 100% Swiss team is struggling to showcase itself at the start of the season, within an LM P2 category whose level is only increasing. From the outside, if the Oreca 03 chassis is certainly a good option, what about the Judd engine, which seems to suffer from an efficiency deficit compared to the Nissan and Honda? “We are definitely lacking speed, underlines Jonathan Hirschi. At Spa, then during the test day, we were not on the pace. I also met (during the test day. Editor’s note) a brake problem at the entrance to the Dunlop curve. I lost the car and hit the wall from behind”. The unfortunate Swiss pilot still has some (very superficial) after-effects on his legs. Already at Spa, the breakage of a brake disc had led to the retirement of the Swiss team.

Two days before the first free practice, the 2009 Eurocup Mégane Trophy champion, however, wants to remain optimistic. He and his teammates Michel Frey and Ralph Meichtry plan to run their own race, without looking at that of others. They will do the calculations upon arrival. “The team changed a lot during the winter, and it logically takes a little time for everything to fall into place, He continues. We worked well, notably managing to feel less of the vibrations generated by the engine. Knock on wood, but as far as we're concerned, he hasn't let us down since the start of the season. Our primary objective will be to see the finish. We will drive at our own pace, trying not to make any mistakes and not having to put the car in the back of its box. We are aware that we do not have the speed to fight at the front. The level is such this year that they will all leave with a knife between their teeth…” And if the No. 40 does not encounter any major problems, and has resolved its brake problems, then there is hope. In LM P2, the frantic pace set by the big names could well leave room for certain outsiders.