Le Mans: rookies’ reactions after the Test Day

Manuela Gostner – n°83 Kessel Racing 488: “My first laps here in Le Mans were incredible. I almost spun four times, I was so nervous! I was just looking around, it was really emotional! Then after the first laps it was ok, I enjoyed every minute. No video, no simulator, nothing can ever be compared to the real circuit, when you are driving on it for real, it’s magnificent.

“I really liked Indianapolis even if I struggled a lot with this corner as it is really difficult, but I think it’s one of my favourite so far.

“At the beginning I had to get used to the traffic as the LMP1 and LMP2 are so faster than us. When they are coming they are really like a train, it was very impressive, but after a few laps you get used to the traffic and it was ok.”

Job Van Uitert – n°26 G-Drive Racing Aurus 01: “It felt great to finally drive at Le Mans in an LMP2. This has always been my childhood dream. My first lap wasn’t actually that exciting: Le Mans is not so hard when you go 80 kph in FCY (Full Course Yellow).

“It’s a proper old school track. I love every minute of driving at this place. It’s just so different to all other circuits. There is no place like it. 

“The Porsche curves and Indianapolis are probably my favourite places, it’s so incredible fast and 1 small mistake will put you in the wall.

“Testing went very smooth for us. No problems with the car and mainly focussing on long runs. The team did a great job preparing the car and the drivers, so we should be good for the race.”