FIA GT – Vanthoor: “The Belgian Audi Club was decisive in my career”

The young 22-year-old from Limburg, Laurens Vanthoor, managed to win the 2013 FIA GT Series title alongside Stéphane Ortelli. The official Audi driver looks back on his season in five questions.

Laurens, can we say that 2013 was a superb season for you?

“I always tell myself that there is a way to do better, but it’s true that I can’t complain. The season in the FIA ​​GT Series has really been very good and I think Audi is happy with my work. In any case, I gave the best of myself to show them that I deserved their trust last winter. On a personal level, I regret a little that the 24-hour races that I competed in did not go as I would have hoped. But it’s also part of the race…”

Has becoming an official pilot changed your life?

" A little yes. Having a contract with a manufacturer like Audi is reassuring. And the fact that it is Audi perhaps even more than another manufacturer because everyone knows to what extent the brand is involved in motorsport. I am really happy to be with them and I am well aware that many drivers would dream of being in my place. Being part of the official drivers team is one thing, but I want to stay there from now on! In any case, I would like to thank JG Mal-Voy and the Belgian Audi Club, but also Vincent Vosse and the WRT team. It's thanks to them that I got here. »

What was the role of the Belgian Audi Club in your career?

“It was huge!” The Club has supported me since my very first season in motorsport, when I started the German motorsport championship. Formula 3 with a Dallara-VW. At that time, I still dreamed of Formula 1 and the results immediately followed. Then, after a disastrous second year in the F3 Euro Series, for a whole series of reasons, it was with JG Mal-Voy that I discussed the possibility of redirecting my career. In particular, he introduced me to Pierre Dieudonné, who was not yet at WRT. My goal was to make motorsport my profession. It was JG who introduced me to Vincent Vosse, René Verbist and the WRT team for the 2012 season. Despite the hard knocks, the Club and JG Mal-Voy always believed in me. This is why the Belgian Audi Club was decisive in my career! Today, I consider JG to be my motorsport grandfather. We regularly have lunch together and I like receiving his advice, not just for motorsport either. »

What will be your program in 2014?

“A priori, I expect a program more or less similar to that of 2013.”

As an Audi driver, do you dream of 24 Hours of Le Mans ?

“I would be lying if I said otherwise. Obviously, if I one day have the chance to do Le Mans with Audi, that would be fantastic! But I don't want to rush things. I'm already very happy where I am right now. Which doesn?t stop me from thinking about the future? I have already considered, for example, doing Le Mans in LMP2 to gain experience. It has never happened so far, but who knows? If a chance were to present itself, I would definitely do my best to seize it! »