Panis-Debard, the crew to beat?

At the end of a very competitive 2009 season, Eric Debard won the French FFSA GT1 championship. This year, no GT1, but a unique category, essentially made up of GT3. At DKR, we stay with Corvette (with a Z06) and we leave for a new challenge.

In 2009, the agreement with Olivier Panis was exceptional. It is therefore without great surprise that the duo is reformed this season, to the great happiness of the pilot of the Peugeot 908 Oreca in endurance.

 » I'm going to continue at DKR Engineering with Eric Debard because I spent a hell of a year with him, declares the winner of the 1996 Monaco GP. The atmosphere in the team was incredible both in the motorhome and in the team. In addition to being able to help win the title, it was something important for me because he (Eric, editor's note) really deserved it. »

A pleasure shared by Eric Debard, who does not forget to greet the sister car, which will also have its say in the leading pack.

“This season will be one of change. Indeed, after having obtained the last GT1 title, we will do everything to fight for victory in GT3. The advantage of this year will be the continuity in the technical team and the crew of the other Corvette (Laurent Cazenave and Jean-Claude Police) with whom we get along very well and with whom we exchange a lot on the technical aspect . I am very happy to continue with Olivier to whom I owe a lot in my progress and with whom a real bond has been established. Last year’s results are linked to this state of mind.”

A major challenge but far from impossible for a team and a crew which are gaining strength over the seasons. First stage, qualifying, this afternoon at 16:20 p.m.

Find the full report of the Easter Cups, the first 2010 meeting of the FFSA Super Series, in your AUTOhebdo magazine, on newsstands next Wednesday.