Yvan Muller (M Racing): “I have everything to discover about this car”

It's a big year for M Racing, with quite a few disciplines on your schedule. You're certainly not short of work!

That's an understatement! We're putting five cars into the environment ELMS : three cars in the Ligier Cup, one in Michelin Le Mans Cup, and an LM P3 in ELMS. This requires a lot of work, preparation and organization. We have also added a car in Nascar Euro Series.

The NASCAR Euro Series is the big new addition to your season. But I understand that you were targeting another driver to support Thomas Toffel…

Yes. Basically, Yann Ehrlacher (his nephew. Editor's note) was supposed to do the full season. Due to a regulation issue – which should be resolved soon – he cannot participate in the first round, which will be held this weekend in Valencia. At the last minute, the decision was made that I will replace him. I have everything to discover with this car. I only did five laps at Magny-Cours to break in the brakes… It's not what I call ideal preparation. Afterwards, Valencia is a circuit I know well, and I will get to grips with the car there.

Experience is useful in this kind of occasion (see carpooling from Yvan in n°2498)?

Yes, for sure, but let's face it: I'm not as frisky as I was ten years ago. I've gained weight, and I don't really have time to train or play sports anymore. It's the opposite of what I usually do in terms of preparation... but it's a good challenge. I want to be able to give all the advice I can to Thomas, our permanent NASCAR driver. And what better way to do that than to share the car with him?

Did you also enjoy scrubbing the doors?

I'm pretty familiar with rubbing doors. Now, let's face it: the NASCAR Euro Series is a specialist discipline, with drivers who are extremely experienced in the car and the championship.

What are your ambitions?

A few years ago, I would have come with the goal of making my mark. But you have to remain humble: there are no results targets. I will do as usual, giving the best of myself.

What other surprises do you have in store for us this season?

I think that's already pretty good for this year. A year ago, we were thinking about reorienting our activities. Today, we've just expanded, we're entering the ELMS in LMP3, and these five cars keep us busy. I don't need anything more, believe me!

Comments collected by Fabien Gérard

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