”Francorchamps is more representative than Imola. We will finally discover the real potential of each person. In GT, we are clearly aiming for the podium and why not, it would be magical, victory again with our two M4s. In Hypercar, I hope to still have my two cars racing after the first corner. We lost one directly in Italy and it hurts. The goal here is above all to gain as many kilometers and experience as possible before Le Mans. We finished sixth at Imola after fighting for 4th place for a long time. So we can dream of a top 5. But the priority is to see the two prototypes at the finish.”
What is your reading of the BOP for this weekend. Will the hierarchy be disrupted?
“I do not think so, no. Ferrari will always be very good. Unless they prepare for Le Mans (with a little smirk…)”
The starts and first laps are often chaotic because we can no longer heat the tires.
Why do we often see crashes at the start in Hypercars?
”Despite two warm-up laps, the takeoffs are often chaotic because since last year it has been forbidden to heat the tires. And many drivers overestimate the temperature of their tires. The braking system is complex with the hybrid. These are not risks, but pilot errors.”
Thierry Tassin tells us that tire management will be key. Just like consumption.
“Exact. We have new, softer Michelin tires following last year's accidents and we are forecasting warmer temperatures. The degradation and management of the 18 tires for qualifying and the race will be decisive. We actually consume more here and if the race remains under green flags, we will have to make an additional stop. But I would be surprised if there were no neutralizations…”
