Blancpain – Vincent Abril arrives with confidence in Nogaro

After winning the Silver Cup in the Blancpain Sprint Series last year in an Audi R8 LMS ultra from Team WRT, Vincent Abril will tackle the entire 2015 GT Series calendar, competing in both Sprint and Endurance at the wheel of a Bentley Continental GT3 from the HTP team. The Frenchman answered our questions before the first meeting of the year at Nogaro in Gers this weekend.

How was the transition from WRT to HTP?

After the Slovakia race, HTP officials contacted Olivier Panis (his manager, Editor's note). I then carried out a test on the Mercedes which went well, then an offer came along. I also had the option of staying at WRT.

What tipped the scales?

HTP's motivation for having me. Real confidence was given to me, with the steps taken to come and pick me up. The goal is really to win the championship.

What were your first impressions behind the wheel of the Bentley?

I want to say that it’s two worlds apart with the Audi R8. The latter was a fairly versatile car on all circuits, and very accomplished. The Bentley is more physical, it's heavier, and with the engine at the front. The philosophy is very different from what I was used to. But it's very efficient.

Do you have a particular approach to the Endurance Series compared to the Sprint?

I did tests in Misano in Italy, where the team did everything to give me confidence. I did several one-hour stints without problems. There will be a little more management, particularly at Spa or the Nürburgring, but I think the idea remains the same as in Sprint.

What do you expect from your collaboration with Mike Parisy?

I only knew Mike as a competitor. The understanding is very good, and what's more we have a French-speaking crew (with Harold Primat in Endurance, Editor's note) and with our engineer Renaud Dufour. The chemistry is very good. I have never entered a season so confident.