Sébastien Bourdais: “A strengthened team”

Unfortunate tonight in Daytona, Sebastian Bourdais will be engaged in Indycar this season behind the wheel of the AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet. Before going to Florida, the Frenchman told us his impressions following his first day of testing with the American team.

How did this test day go?

Good, but you always have to be careful when reading at Sebring, because the turns are faster than on an urban car and you gain grip very quickly. We still reviewed a lot of shock absorbers and were able to validate a certain number of points about which we had questions. Compared to last season's curtain call in St-Petersburg, where things went well (4th. Editor's note), we remain in the same philosophy. You have to be careful, but these tests seem to validate that the urban package is of quality.

What about your relationship with your new engineer, Justin Taylor?

It was important to spend some time together, so that everyone could get their bearings. I have known Justin since the end of the 2020 season.IMSA. He came as a consultant to JDC-Miller, because we were looking for ways to raise our level of play. Loïc (Duval. Editor’s note) knew him from his Audi years. I then learned that he had already made contact with Foyt, since he was supposed to take care of Tony Kanaan last season. But schedule changes had ultimately kept him away from IndyCar.

Are you optimistic for the new season?

We will be able to count, in any case, on a strengthened team – which already had a good bit of potential. Mike Colliver, my engineer for my two races last season, has become technical director, and Daniele Cucchiaroni – basically operations engineer – will be the great assistant to Justin, who has already worked in IndyCar with Ed Carpenter Racing. These elements, with experience and great analytical capacity, should help us progress.

Complete interview to be found in AUTO magazinehebdo n°2296 currently available in digital version and on newsstands.