Simon Pagenaud: “I want to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans”

Although he is known for his prowess in IndyCar where he won the championship title in 2016, simon pagenaud has always shown great affection for endurance. It was not uncommon to see him in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), now International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), where he was champion, and even at 24 Hours of Le Mans (two participations in 2009 and 2011).

« Endurance racing has a huge history. Personally, the first race I saw was the 24 Hours of Le Mans when I was five., remembers the Habs. I was drawn to the challenge of running in the dark, in torrential rain, or on a sunny day. It was fascinating to see the white-hot mechanical parts glowing in the night, and the passion was born ».

The endurance that Simon Pagenaud will rediscover this weekend at the 12 Hours of Sebring. A member of Team Penske, last year's Indy 500 winner will be at the helm of the Acura DPi with Juan Pablo Montoya and Dane Cameron for the last of the DPi era in IMSA. A weekend during which he does not intend to spare himself.

« I intend to soak up this experience, attack as much as possible, have fun in the car and with everyone in the team, he warns. There is a little less pressure on our car this year compared to last year when we won the championship, so the task is easy: full attack mode! It’s the best approach to a race weekend, and I can’t wait to go. ».

And if he continues to gain experience in endurance on the other side of the Atlantic, Simon Pagenaud does not hide his desire to cross it to experience the double clock tower at Le Mans. “I want to come back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans one day to try and get a victory there.” Notice to interested parties.