Filipe Albuquerque (Cadillac WTR): "Le Mans chose you"

For its second consecutive appearance at Le Mans, the Wayne Taylor Racing team approaches the 94th 24 Hours of Le Mans with a newfound confidence. Ricky Taylor, Jordan Taylor, and Filipe Albuquerque are aiming high at the wheel of the No. 101 Cadillac V-Series.R.

One year after its debut at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing is back for more. The American team, competing for the second consecutive year as part of the Cadillac Racing program, is fielding its #101 V-Series.R among the 18 Hypercars at the start of the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le MansRicky Taylor, Jordan Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque share the driving duties — and a common feeling: that of arriving prepared.

The weight of experience

The difference is immediately apparent from the first few kilometers. Last year, we didn't realize our lack of experience. “, recognizes Ricky Taylor. “ This year, everything is much calmer and under control. It feels like we're approaching a race weekend like any other. His brother Jordan agrees: Last year, nobody even knew where the toilets were. Mastering the basics provides an added sense of security. »

For Filipe Albuquerque, who is competing in his 13th Le Mans race, the return is almost instinctive. I still remember very well how I felt during my last laps last year. The first laps of practice were exactly the same: we picked up where we had left off. »

First at the end of the trials

The weekend got off to a good start. During the Sunday test day before the race, car #101 set the fastest time in the first session with a lap of 3 minutes 27.011 seconds over the 13,626-kilometer circuit. An encouraging sign for co-owner Wayne Taylor: Finishing first at the end of the first free practice session puts everyone in a good mood. Our speed is very good, and the drivers are really comfortable with the car — which accounts for 90% of the success. »

Le Mans, a race apart

The three drivers also agree on the unique nature of the 24 Hours of Le Mans compared to other endurance races. Fewer safety car periods than at Daytona, a more linear race pace, and a reward for consistency. At Le Mans, you have to attack and minimize mistakes on the track and in the pits. "That sums it up," says Jordan Taylor. The key is execution. »

Albuquerque, for his part, quotes a phrase he often repeats to himself as the departure approaches: "You don't choose Le Mans, Le Mans chooses you." A way of accepting the unpredictable — the sneaky puncture, the faulty GPS antenna, the incident at the first turn — while remaining focused on what can be controlled.

Week schedule

Four free practice sessions are scheduled for Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June before qualifying. The Hyperpole format, new this year, introduces two separate sessions: the 15 fastest times from Wednesday's qualifying advance to a first 20-minute session, from which the 10 best will then compete in a 15-minute session to secure pole position.

The start of the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be given on Saturday, June 13 at 16:00 PM (local time).

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