Romain Dumas: “For my 20th Le Mans, I couldn’t hope for better”

When did your discussions with Rebellion Racing go back?

As regards the WEC, we started talking during the first half of 2019, during March or April. We had notably discussed the possibility of participating in the 4 Hours of Silverstone (1^er September 2019. Editor's note), but being in China, on Mount Tianmen, with Volkswagen, it unfortunately could not be done.

Did you hesitate?

LM P1 remains the premier category, so it is a difficult offer to refuse. After Toyota, Rebellion is definitely the better option and the car is still damn fast. It's a very interesting challenge, I'm very happy to get into an LM P1 again, and what's more, in a car that can play at the front. Afterwards, I loved racing in LM P2 during the last two editions, because the battle was very close. There, we will be a bit alone against Toyota, but at Le Mans, you never know what can happen. Certainly, there are TS050 Hybrids, but there are only two... It's both a lot and very little.

You will share the wheel with two young people, Nathanaël Berthon – credited with six starts in Sarthe – and Louis Delétraz, who has everything to discover about the event…

Yes, but that was already the case last year with Nico (Jamin, at Duqueine Engineering. Editor’s note) and it was a great experience. He quickly understood and did not make the slightest mistake. There is no reason for it to happen any differently this year as long as it involves young people who have their heads on their shoulders.

Does finding a team like Oreca make you happy?

It's a great team, experienced and which has demonstrated its know-how many times at Le Mans. I am really happy. For my 20th Le Mans, I couldn't hope for better.

When will you discover the car?

During tests at Paul-Ricard, then even more at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (25 April. Editor’s note).