PCCF – Julien Fébreau: “A fabulous chance” to be at Le Mans

How does it feel to be present as a driver in a support race for 24 Hours of Le Mans ?

C’est évidemment beaucoup de plaisir. L’événement est exceptionnel, la date historique et c’est une édition à laquelle tout le monde veut assister. J’ai une chance fabuleuse, j’y participe en tant que pilote dans le cadre de la Porsche Carrera Cup Le Mans. Être au volant sur le circuit des 24 Heures, le même week-end que la course, on était nombreux à l’espérer. 

For the record, I had already planned to come to Le Mans. On the night of December 31 to January 1, I reserved my accommodation not knowing that I would be able to ride. I've been waiting for this race for over six months. We could say that we were there! 

When you're behind the wheel, do you feel the weight of history?

We are very focused on the track but we realize that we pass through legendary places. In the Mulsanne straight, I have time to tell myself that I am really there. It's the same for the Indianapolis corners or the Porsche esses, used by legends before us. Afterwards, you should not position yourself too much on the spectator side. We are in a lot of action since there are plenty of things to do at the wheel or at the pedals. Concentration quickly takes over. 

You drove in Alpine Cup, in Clio Cup and in Rallycross obviously. How do you judge the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup version 992?

The 911 is a legendary car that I drive in a place that is just as legendary. The Porsche is ultra high-performance, formidable in efficiency. We flirt with 300 km/h in the Hunaudières. I drove at Le Castellet with it but it had ABS. It's a discovery without, so I'm starting to get my bearings. We have four important meetings (two free sessions, a qualification and a race). The first two are done, I'm now focusing on the next one.

During FP2, you set the 3rd fastest time in the Am category, where the level is higher this year. Are you surprised by this performance?

To be honest, I only focus on myself. I don't watch the clock because I have so much to learn. The most important thing was to find my bearings, which I had not managed to do during FP1. I was making mistakes when braking and therefore my trajectories were bad, as were my corner exits. My time is a good surprise but what gives me the most pleasure is having found solutions to what I was missing. 

The Pierre Martinet by Alméras team with which you ride has extensive experience. They have fast drivers like championship leader Alessandro Ghiretti. Do you receive advice from them?

I'm very lucky to be with them because they help me a lot! Philippe Alméras, the team manager, has monumental experience. The atmosphere is excellent and everyone is open. Whether it’s Alessandro Ghiretti, Mathieu Martins or Christophe Stone, they give me the right information, the information I need. They put themselves in my place to help me get to the point.