Le Mans – Panciatici: “Apt to play leading roles”

After setting the third fastest time in the LMP2s during the Test Day of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Nelson Panciatici is preparing to make his third start at the Le Mans double-clock race where he failed just off the podium during his first participation in an Oreca 03-Nissan entered by Signatech. The reigning champion of theELMS will once again defend the colors ofAlpine at the wheel of the A 450 b which has a specific package for the Le Mans circuit. “The fight for victory in LMP2 will be intense but I remain confident because we are performing well and our Alpine A 450 b is reliable », comments the Frenchman. “However, we must remain vigilant because the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a special race where you have to know how to remain humble, a podium would be a great reward but we will be able to seize the slightest chance of victory! I followed specific physical preparation in order to stay at the best level for 24 hours, it is very important to be competitive! »

With no less than 17 crews registered in LMP2, victory in the category will not be an easy goal to achieve, especially since Philippe Sinault's team must adapt to the new Dunlop tires which fit theAlpine and that Nelson Panciatici's teammates, Paul-Loup Chatin and Oliver Webb, will discover the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “We have carried out good tests which allow us to think that we will be able to play leading roles and the strategies put in place should help us to make a small difference at the right time. I also know that I can count on my teammates, Paul Loup Chatin and Oliver Webb, who performed well during testing. This is only my third participation, but I am well surrounded by the entire Signatech team-Alpine and Olivier, my engineer, helped us remember the circuit because we will have few laps before qualifying and the race. The tests reminded me of the intensity of the traffic and the difficulty of having a clear lap, this is part of the magic of Le Mans and we have to adapt. In any case, I remain confident in our chances! »

The weigh-in of the 82nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans can be followed live streaming on this link.