Alexandre Imperatori: “A return to the WEC is on my radar”

Alexandre Imperatori, congratulations on this podium in Macau. How was your weekend?

I am satisfied to bring back a podium from Macau. This was clearly the objective of the weekend. Obviously, it would have been even better to finish higher, but the performance was there. We were in the game from the start of the weekend. The level was a little higher on the grid this year, because they relaxed the health restrictions a little, which allowed us to have top European guns here. It was therefore important to bring back a good result in these conditions. We were second in Q1, but then we had a small problem with the air filter, which cost us a little performance in Q2. So we didn't quite make the leap forward we wanted at that level and I found myself fourth on the grid. Everything was still possible because lots of things can happen in Macau and that was the case again this year! 

We saw it with a chaotic new start, as often in Macau…

Some drivers stole the start a bit, which led to a pile-up. The atypical circuit lends itself to this type of problem with some very fast parts and others much tighter. It’s a route that requires taking as many risks as possible, because it’s very difficult to overtake and often it doesn’t work. 

As a regular at the event (ninth participation, first in 2004), how do you judge its evolution?

My first steps here were in Formula Renault Asia and at the time it was the World Cup Formula 3, the level was therefore very high. I then participated in it during the GT Cup, as it was this year. The FIA ​​GT World Cup came after that and it started to become more professional at that point. In the GT Cup, there was a good mix between the professionals up front who are fighting for victory as well as the local amateurs who are enjoying their time of the year and coming to compete against the best. With the FIA ​​label, everyone was in the same second, it was a different atmosphere. Unfortunately, the World Cup has not been able to take place for the past three years due to Covid-19 and this is felt by the organization. This year, the first ones were at World Cup level. Raffaele Marciello, last winner of the competition (in 2019) was there, Edoardo Mortara (2017) and Maro Engel (2015) who also preceded him. 

Do you think it was possible to beat Maro Engel this weekend?

I think he could be beaten. There were four of us in the race, although the Audi was very fast with clearly a small advantage over the rest, but Mortara made a mistake on the formation lap of Race 1 which made him start last and gave Maro an opportunity. This could also have opened the door for us, but a Lamborghini jumped the start. She ended up in front of us and we couldn't take advantage of it. All these situations mean that Maro was perfectly catchable. THE Mercedes were not on another planet either and Race 2 is not necessarily representative of the hierarchy. They were very strong and executed their weekend perfectly and that's why they won the race. 

ALSO READ > Maro Engel wins the 2022 Macau GT Cup

Alexandre Imperatori a terminé sur le podium à Macao avec la Porsche de TORO Racing © Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific

Is it prohibitive not to start in pole position on a track like Macau?

Pole is not necessarily obligatory, but it is true that it is better to be on the front row, especially for the last race. This is important because there is the main boulevard up to the Lisboa bend (Hotel Lisboa. Editor’s note) where there is a way to do something from the outside. Once past this corner it becomes more difficult to overtake, especially in GT where we have less aspiration. The Mandarin (turn of the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Ed.) is more difficult to take than to car. It then becomes a procession. So you really have to make the difference at the start and in the first lap. 

You also finished on the podium at the 24 Hours of Daytona (3rd in the GTD Pro category) at the start of the year. What assessment do you draw from this season? 

I finished the two international races I did this year on the podium, so I'm happy with my year. It went very well at Daytona as we fought for victory until the last corner and the intensity in this fight was quite incredible. It's a great memory, the team (KCMG. Editor's note) did a fantastic job and we got along very well between the four drivers (Alexandre Imperatori, Dennis Olsen, Patrick Pilet, Laurens Vanthoor. Editor's note), we each does our job. I would have liked to have had a slightly busier year, but unfortunately I was stuck in China because of health restrictions (Imperatori lives in Shanghai. Editor’s note). I was supposed to switch to a schedule for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring after Daytona, but the flights were canceled or the rules were too restrictive. It was difficult, but I had to abandon my European program. I hope to have a better 2023 season...

Do you already know what this one could look like?

I have some ideas, but it's still a little too early to talk about them. I will be back in Europe by the end of the month and some things are falling into place.

You have known the 24 Hours of Le Mans in LM P1 with Rebellion (2015 and 2016), will returning WEC might interest you?

Absolutely. Especially since we are currently entering a golden era ofEndurance with the Hypercar category, the convergence with theIMSA, the number of manufacturers involved and the GT3 which is also arriving at Le Mans (in 2024. Editor’s note). It’s definitely something that’s on my radar.

Rather in GT prototype?

I have experience with both, but it will depend on the opportunities that present themselves.

VIDEO – A lap of the Macau circuit in the helmet of Alexandre Imperatori in a Porsche GT3 R