Yann Ehrlacher (Lynk & Co): “If I have a good offer in Supercars, I’ll go straight to Australia”

How is this new year looking in a discipline that you know well?

We are coming out of three big tests in Spain (Aragon) to prepare for the new season. Since last season we have been running with new tires (Kumho). Even though we have improved our car, we still had questions that we could not answer in 2023. These tests allow us to progress on the subject. We have therefore made some changes to our Lynk & Co 03, in particular to the suspensions. We also worked on optimizing settings and reliability. This better general knowledge allowed us to gain a little performance.

Was that the best way to prepare?

Absolutely, especially since we will be riding on tracks that we have never visited before, and which will offer different levels of grip. We will adapt and progress. We know the championship well now, we must use our expertise to our advantage.

Is the return of the FIA ​​label important for the discipline?

It is crucial to remain on the list of championships sanctioned by the international federation. It doesn't change anything in the way we work and run. This recognition is a great reward that we should be happy about.

Seven meetings (with 2 races per meeting), that will leave free time, right?

It's quite difficult to say at the moment. I already have my development job at DS in Formula E which takes me a lot of time. We'll see if I have another program that will stack up. The idea would be to add something else in Tourism like the TCR Europe. One thing is certain, my schedule from April to November is going to be busy.

Australia is catching your eye, can we imagine seeing you riding there one day?

I will even tell you as soon as possible! I made my debut in Australia last year (in the TCR World Tour). I was lucky enough to win one of the races at Bathurst, it's fabulous to have been able to win on such a famous track. This inevitably puts ideas in your head. If I have a good offer in Supercars, I'll go straight to Australia.

But before that there is a title to conquer in the FIA ​​TCR World Tour with some great rivals!

It's true that the return of Esteban Guerrieri with Honda (after a year of WEC in Hypercar with Vanwall. Editor's note) and Nestor Girolami who leaves for Hyundai, this makes solid opponents who can play for a win. At Lynk & Co we also have a great line-up with two world champions (himself and Thed Björk crowned in the WTCC. Editor’s note). Before beating the others, I will have to place myself in the lead within my own team. If I am in the best position at mid-season, I could be designated to play for the title, and that will be valid for the others. We will therefore have to make a good start to the season and score points each time.

Comments collected by Fabien Gérard

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