New in ELMS: Will Owen (United Autosports – Ligier JSP2 n°32)

Q: Welcome to the ELMS. What attracted you to race Le Mans Prototypes in Europe?

Thank you!  Well after I made the decision to race sportscars, we looked all over for the right opportunity.  I realized quickly that prototypes are what I want to race over the next couple years.  ELMS has such a competitive field of prototypes that it makes perfect sense for my first season in sportscars.  Once we started working with United Autosports, I was sure that driving the P2 with them in 2017 was absolutely the right move.

Q: How different is the LMP2 Ligier-Gibson going to be from the single seaters you have raced up to now?

The JSP217 is going to be a lot different.  First of all, it is a lot heavier, so I will have to drive with a totally different style. In addition to the weight though, there will also be a lot more power and downforce.  The high speed corners and straight line top speed will both be much quicker than I am used to.  I am confident though that with the testing that United Autosports has planned, I will have plenty of time to learn what this car wants to go fast.  It’s also really nice to be working with Filipe since he has been in the JSP217 for a lot of testing so far.

Q: You will be racing for reigning LMP3 Champions United Autosports.  Have you had much chance to get to know your new team yet? 

Right now, I am just starting to get to know everyone! I have noticed though that the environment with United is really relaxed and fun after the day is over, but when it is time to drive it becomes very professional.  Everyone on this team has extensive experience in motorsports and good stories to tell about those experiences. I am happy that we have such a good group of people for year, because so far it seems that good teamwork is the key to winning in endurance racing.

Q: You will be racing for the team at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans.  What are your thoughts on competing at Le Mans for the first time? 

After seeing it as a spectator in 2016 I know it is an amazing event, but Le Mans is much more than that.  Everyone in motorsports says that there is something different about Le Mans.  Not only is it extremely challenging, but being a part of something so revered because of its history is what makes it different than the average race.  Right now I am still a bit intimidated by it, and I am already making plans of how to properly prepare for it.  Though I don’t think that any track on the planet can truly prepare a rookie driver for the Circuit De La Sarthe.

Q: Of the six race circuits on the ELMS calendar, which are you looking forward to the most and why?

 I have never been to any of the tracks on our calendar, but I am looking forward to Spa the most.  The only experience I have with Spa is on the simulator, and it seems pretty insane even on there.  I can’t wait to try at Eau Rouge!