Reigning Champion Defends Title with IDEC Sport

We caught up with the former Daytona 24 and 12 Hours of Sebring overall winner ahead of the opening Free Practice session of the 2018 season at the Circuit Paul Ricard.

Does being the reigning ELMS champion put extra pressure on you going in 2018?

“Coming back as reigning champion doesn’t really put any extra pressure on me, in fact it gives me some extra confidence because I know how to get the job done.  It is a lot of motivation coming from an amazing 2017 season.  This year comes with new challenges, a new team with IDEC Sport and new teammates.  I am really excited to get started.”

You have a former ELMS Champion as a teammate this year.  Does having Paul Loup Chatin with you help your preparations for the coming season?

“I think this really helps.  You know sometimes managing a championship requires experience, it requires knowing when to have a cool head, knowing when to attack.  Having two drivers who have been in these types of situation can be really beneficial.  At the end of the day speed is not everything, there are other things that are required to win championships and I hope that can play in our favour this year.”

How are you settling in with your new team IDEC Sport?

“My French has certainly been improving over the last two or three days. It is a very French team, with a Mexican driver and English engineer.  All of the IDEC Sport crew they have been amazing and have helped me since day one and I look forward to learning more French during 2018.”

In June you will compete at Le Mans.  After winning the ELMS title in 2017, do you consider the 24 Hours of Le Mans unfinished business?

“Le Mans has been my goal since I did the cross over from America to Europe.  We’ve already ticked off the ELMS championship and now we have to do the same at Le Mans.  The main reason is I have won the Daytona 24 and the 12 Hours of Sebring and if I can win the 24 Hours of Le Mans which, for me, would be like having the triple crown of endurance racing.”