Loïc Duval: “I want to focus on endurance in the future”

How did you feel during this last race?

I had a pretty good experience with it. At the end of 2016, I had a hard time digesting the end of Audi's LM P1 program. But the DTM is a championship that is less close to my heart. And then, we felt this end approaching following the successive withdrawals of manufacturers. We were on the razor's edge. Afterwards, I find it a shame for motorsport to no longer see such cars in Europe.

You finished 7th in the championship with two podiums. How do you judge your season?

With the team, we have had a year of ups and downs. At times we were really in the mix, coming close to pole positions or wins. At others, we were on the street. To be honest, the Phoenix team has evolved a tone below the Rosberg and Abt teams this year. Overall, I'm pretty happy with my pure performance, I did my best. I just wish I had the chance to ride with another team to see if I could have done better.

What assessment do you draw from your four seasons in DTM?

Honestly, not great. Before coming, I always thought it was a great championship and I really wanted to try it. But it didn't live up to my expectations. I expected more. Sport is more interesting when you win! Looking back, it may not have been the best decision I made. I had opportunities in Formula E or with Toyota en WEC which Audi did not allow me to enter. But the DTM was a continuation of my adventure with them in LM P1, so in the end, I have no regrets.

What are your plans for next season?

There is nothing finalized at the moment, but I have some exciting prospects, which would make me discover something new.

THEIMSA For example ? You missed a DTM round to get to Petit Le Mans…

It’s something possible in DPi, yes. I really enjoyed my debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona and Petit Le Mans. Finding yourself in a situation of discovery, for a pilot, is really nice. And then, it's a superb championship where we fight from start to finish.

What about the WEC?

Overall, I want to focus on theEndurance in the future. This is the discipline where I feel the best. What I like about motorsport is sharing with teammates and fighting during long races. After Audi stopped in LM P1, I missed Le Mans in 2017. The following year, I took the risk of moving down to LM P2. It's not easy, because if you're under pressure and if you mess up, people can come down on you. But I missed Le Mans! I needed to relive these human adventures. So why not continue in LM P2... And if I am offered a factory program, I obviously won't say no.

With Peugeot  ?

Few pilots would not like to be part of this program?

Are you interested in the DTM in its GT3 version?

No way ! It's not at all a championship in which I see myself.

So, will we see you again at Audi?

In the long term, maybe, but next year there's very little chance. I had a wonderful adventure with Audi and I will keep excellent memories of it. I would have liked to continue, but life is made up of timings and opportunities that take me away from Audi today. I can't wait to experience a different structure.