Interview with Julien Schell, Pegasus Racing co-leader with Mirco Schultis and Patrick Simon

What made you enter Formula Le Mans?

The regulation changes in LMP2 were difficult to foresee and the cost too important. The Formula Le Mans budget is attractive and we are also interested in the place at Le Mans offered to the winners.  This is a motivation for the season. Furthermore, we know that ORECA is a very serious organisation and this allowed us to get involved in the adventure in full trust. 

You are at the front of Formula Le Mans. What is the key to this success?

If I knew I wouldn't tell you! I'm only joking… reliability is very important for both the car: we haven't had any mechanical breakdowns since the beginning of the year, and the drivers: we have had no track exits either. Performance is also essential, we must be quick. 

What can you tell us about your direct competitors? Their strong points?

They are the same as us. All the teams are very serious and during the race we are all follow each other very closely.  As for the atmosphere in the paddock, we all help each other out and this is very important.  

How are you going to tackle the last two races of the season at Silverstone and Estoril?

Very well as we are in the lead but we must be humble. We need a podium at Silverstone and to be reliable if we want to stay in front. Our aim is to be on the podium at Silverstone but we are serene.  

Next appointment, the Autosport 6 hours of Silverstone on 10 & 11 September.