Jérôme Policand, teammate of Valentino Rossi at Le Mans: “It’s really a great story”

This is quite an announcement that Team WRT has just made. How was this slightly crazy idea born?

The simplest thing in the world: Vincent Vosse called me just before the Magny-Cours round in GT4 France and made me this proposition. It's typical of him to have these kinds of original ideas. I of course accepted because, for me, it means returning to Le Mans after 13 years of absence. It's a place that gave me a lot of satisfaction. It was not possible to refuse, and given my programs as team manager, I have little opportunity to get back into a racing car and into a team like WRT with a driver of such notoriety (Valentino Rossi. Editor’s note). I still had to ask permission from Mercedes, they very kindly accepted.

Welcome to the team, Jérôme Policand 🙌🏼

Great to have you partnering Valentino at the Road To Le Mans race next month!

See you at the Circuit de La Sarthe 🇫🇷 #WRT #RoadToLeMans pic.twitter.com/xsMCwUGqYp

— WRT – W Racing Team (@followWRT) May 7, 2023

It's certain that with BMW, you will face the judged enemy of Mercedes!

Ah that, it’s certain that he’s even the number 1 opponent. With Vincent, we have been competing against each other for a number of years through our teams, whether in Blancpain or in GT World Challenge. We often fought for the title at loggerheads. We shared a lot of things, and beyond our friendship, there is great respect between us. It's really a beautiful story.

What is the objective of this crew? Help Rossi on the 24-hour circuit, perform?

I think it's more Valentino Rossi who will help me. When we see his level of performance this year, I noted it from his first laps at Bathurst (6th this year. Editor's note), he has really reached a milestone. He impressed me in Australia, but also during his stints at the Monza round. He is really at the level of the best, I sincerely think that it is me who will learn from him. Why did Vincent choose me, you ask yourself? You will ask him (laughs).

When I listen to you talk about Valentino Rossi, I imagine that you are one of those who would not be surprised to see him in a Hypercar in 2024?

I remember when he did his test in Formula 1, at the time of Schumacher. His times were far from ridiculous. The major difference for him will be managing the aerodynamic downforce between that of a GT3 and a Hypercar. For a former pilot MotoGP having gone through the GT, it's something he's not really used to. Rossi really has a chance to achieve this if he continues to work and progress like he is. Now, places are expensive and only the best get access to the Hypercar. A hell of a challenge awaits him.

On a more personal point, does this return via Road to Le Mans bode well for a new participation in the 24 Hours for you?

My last participation dates back to 2010 and I was already running on dotted lines because I had replaced Luc Alphand who had been injured in a motorcycle accident. I wanted to take care of my team management activity, but being part of Luc's team, I was able to replace him at short notice. The years have passed and I have always kept in mind this promise to race at Le Mans again despite the progress made by my team. Unfortunately, the priority was no longer there. When you spend almost 25 weekends a year dedicated to others, there isn't a lot of time left for yourself. Even if it's just to stay in shape, I know what it takes to be competitive. If I come back, it's because I will be ready to do it, Le Mans is not a race that one neglects. I will already see where I stand thirteen years later. There is an unknown in terms of performance. The driving and the trajectories cannot be forgotten, but the pace in the race is something else. If this experience gives me satisfaction, I would happily come back to get rid of this figure of 13 participations.

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