He was fastest at Le Castellet

MOTORSPORT QUESTIONS 

1.       Looking back on your 2014 season, how was it for you (whether you were in the ELMS or another championship) ?

I had the chance to take part in several championships and in many different types of cars: the Andros Trophy with electric cars, GP2 in single seaters and with Murphy Prototypes in endurance racing. We had a great season in GP2 with Lazarus, even if the results don't appear to show that and made significant progress at each race.  I also got my first laps in endurance racing at Circuit Paul Ricard at the official test session last year in Murphy Prototypes' ORECA, and I set the fastest lap.  One year on, to the day, I repeated this which was really great!  I like endurance racing a lot and it's great being part of this team.   I also competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans which was a fantastic and inspiring experience.  I really like sharing the car with other drivers during a race, the same car, the same experience; this was something new for me in motorsport and I appreciate it a great deal. 

2.       What did you do during the winter?

I took part in the Andros Trophy, racing on ice in electric cars and I won it.  I learnt about drifting and I still had a steering wheel between my hands.  But I also put on a lot of weight which I had to quickly lose before the start of the 2015 season, above all for GP2, so I did a lot of sport. At the same time I also finished my studies and have just received my business degree from the Clermont Ferrand Ecole Supérieure de Commerce. 

3.       What do you expect from the 2015 ELMS season?

In 2015 I will once again have a double programme in both GP2, with Lazarus, and in the ELMS with Murphy Prototypes. I learned a whole lot last year from a technical point of view, so this year I want to hone my skills on the sporting side and get better results.  I want to finish on the podium and win races. 

4.       Do you know all the circuits on the 2015 schedule? Which one is your favourite?

I know Silverstone and Red Bull Ring well because of the F1 Grands Prix and I've run there in GP2.  The one I know the least is Estoril because the last time I was there was back in 2009.  My favourite?  I would say Circuit Paul Ricard because, although the layout isn't the one I like best, I've had my best results there. 

5.       How do you prepare for a race weekend?

Since I started racing I've had several different ways of preparing for a race.  A few years ago I used to be quite stressed, but now I take it easy in the run-up to a race.  I use some time to relax in order to be calm. That's what you call experience, I think… 

6.       Do you have a special pre-race ritual and, if so, what is it?

Actually I have a lot… but I won't tell you all of them. One thing is for sure, no matter what race it is I always put on my right sock before the left one. 

7.       What are the strengths of your team?

Murphy Prototypes has a real family atmosphere and it's a very social team. 

8.       What are the strengths of your team mates?

I don't know my team mates very well yet, but I can say that Mark Patterson's huge experience will be great, and he's a really a nice person and very communicative. Michael Lyons is a very fast Silver-rated driver, and I'm sure he's soon going to be Gold, but the three of us get on very well.  We are also all about the same size, tall and quite slim, which is good for the driving position/seat and driver changes. 

9.       What is your dream race to take part in and why?

I would love to do the Monte Carlo Rally. I've never done rallying but this event is legendary.  After that I would have to say the F1 Monaco Grand Prix. 

10.   What has been your best result in motorsport? (which category, when, what circuit)

I've won races in all the different categories I have been in, but my first big success was at the ICA European karting Championship in 2005. After that, and once I'd started racing at a higher level, winning in World Series by Renault at Magny Cours in 2010 as it was a home race.  Finally, my first GP2 victory with Trident in Hungary in 2013 because in just six months we'd built up a winning team so that was special.  Winning the Andros Trophy was great, but these races are more for fun; victory doesn't taste quite the same.

HIS PERSONALITY 

11.   What is your greatest strength?

I am very objective. Sometimes it can be a weakness, but in motorsport I think it's more often a strength.

12.   What is your biggest weakness?

I like to protest… but always with a smile. 

13.   What is your favourite colour?

I like green because it's the colour of hope. 

14.   What was the last book you read?

Steve Jobs' biography. 

15.   What's on your bedside table?

My mobile phone because I really need it to wake up in the morning… 

16.   What is your favourite music?

Lili Wood and The Prick “Prayer In C” 

17.   What your favourite flower / plant?

The sequoia tree. 

18.   Which country would you like to live in?

I love the South of France, but it could also be New-Zealand or Australia. 

19.   If you were an animal which one would it be and why?

A cheetah, because it is the fastest animal. 

20.   If you were a person from history, which one would it be?

Napoleon Bonaparte 

21.   What is your life motto?

Enjoy what you have, but keep looking for more.