Alessandro, you have just won your second title in two weekends (Porsche Carrera Cup France and Asia). What does this represent?
I am obviously very happy but they were not won in two weeks! This is the result of work that lasted a whole year. We worked well with my teams, whether it was Schumacher CLRT in Cup France or Team Jebsen in Asia, as well as with my engineer Benjamin Floch who followed me everywhere.
How much has having the same engineer helped you to be competitive?
Benjamin helped me a lot. We did more than twenty meetings together in Supercup, PCCF and PCCA. Obviously, round after round, we understand each other better and we are going in the right direction. He knows my driving style very well, how I like the car to behave. He knows very well how to make me perform.
Tell us about this final in Shanghai!
We were going there for the third time after the official tests and the first meeting. However, there was a new surface with much more grip than the old one. It changed a lot and I really enjoyed this asphalt.
In qualifying, we had the same set of rain tyres in Q1 and Q2. Unlike my title rivals, Mathys Jaubert and Dylan Pereira, I decided to keep the same set for Race 1. I suffered a little at the start of the race because they were very worn and the water was not necessarily evacuating well. Once the rain line had formed, I found a very good rhythm and was able to move up to second position.
In Race 2, Dylan Pereira was in great shape but I managed to keep him behind. That allowed me to be champion and it was important for me to secure the title as quickly as possible. However, I didn't want to relax in the C3, a 45-minute format created by the Asian Cup. We were running on slicks for the first time since free practice and we won. I was determined to finish in style, it was a perfect Sunday.
What do you remember from this season?
On the sporting side, riding in Asia allowed me to progress enormously as a rider. I learned to adapt to the extremely changeable conditions, to the humidity level different from Europe. Then, I was able to discover exceptional circuits like Singapore, Suzuka or Shanghai. On a more personal point of view, it was great to visit new countries while exercising my passion there.
Will we see you again at the Asian Cup in 2025?
I'm not closing any doors. Everything is possible, nothing has been decided yet. We'll also see depending on the European calendars.
Your season is not over yet as you will be in Macau (November 15-17) driving a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport from the Z.Speed team. We can imagine your impatience to be on the grid of the Greater Bay Area GT Cup?
Macau is one of the great races. I will be driving a GT4. I have the chance to take my first steps on these streets and on this legendary circuit. I am extremely impatient to be there. I want to give the best of myself in a new category with a car that I do not know. I will face many local drivers who have already participated in this event. The challenge is great.
mary
30/10/2024 at 08:45 a.m.
Oops Alessandro 🙏
mary
30/10/2024 at 08:34 a.m.
Well done Lissandro, I remember when I took you to the Rivesaltes circuit a few years ago. Really hats off 👍good luck and I will follow your results with pleasure.