Sébastien Buemi: “This drop in performance is a blessing in disguise”

How did you react when you saw the GR010?

I didn't know what to expect, but when I saw it, I was pleasantly surprised. It remains a real racing car. I was afraid it was an upgraded GT. I'm quite a fan of the fact that it's two meters wide. I think she has a good face.

And behind the wheel?

A driver will never tell you that he is happy to lose performance. But the important thing is that there is competition and a good championship. When I arrived in 2012, we were running in 3'25 at Le Mans and we loved it, because there was competition. Whether you're 3'14 or 3'25, as long as there are opponents... So ultimately, this drop in performance is a blessing in disguise. 2022 Peugeot , 2023 Porsche and Audi… It’s going to be exceptional.

Is this GR010 pleasant to drive?

The interior is very similar, the environment is the same, but better. But the performance is better than I expected. What's nice is that there is no longer any fuel cut (engine cuts to save fuel. Editor's note) at the end of the straight. You feel like you're getting back into the real race, the one where you brake late and hit the gas. You don't drive economically. What was beautiful about the LM P1 was the efficiency, the technical prowess. But there, you don't need to brake in order to recover maximum energy. Let's say it's purer. When you imagine going fast, you don't tell yourself that it's by having to brake less hard so as not to saturate the electric motors and by saving fuel... And that's pleasant, even if I loved the LM P1.

And on the negative side?

The car is a little heavier and we don't have four-wheel drive right out of the corner.

Will it be more complicated in traffic?

It will be different. But we will no longer have cars overtaking us at the end of the straight due to the fuel cut.

You will only have one aero kit left, however?

Yes, but the level of support for Le Mans will still be extremely good. On other routes, on the contrary, it will be greatly reduced. I expect we will feel the deficit more in the classic races of the WEC.