Pla: A GT3 is not worth a GTE

Olivier Pla has a busy schedule in 2016 as he defends both the interests of Michael Shank Racing and IMSA and Krohn Racing in ELMS, in addition to its commitments with Ford in WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

At the end of the Prologue, the LMP2 vice-champion noted the differences between a prototype and his new car entered in GTE Pro. “We can't say that it's a prototype, because we feel the greater weight (around + 300 kg, Editor's note), even if the technical regulations have evolved towards more aero”, explained the Toulouse resident to AUTOhebdo.

“I had ridden in the past with Sofrev in a Ferrari 458 GT3 which offered the same concept with a central rear engine, but the comparisons stop there. Don't believe people who tell you that a GT3 and a GTE are close. This is false, if only by their chassis design, the level of aero load, the use of confidential Michelin tires…”

Discover the full interview with Olivier Pla and the Prologue report produced by our special correspondents in issue 2056 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.