and that was good to have such a margin, because we developed the car with the Nissan engine in it. We put the Honda engine in for the American series, and had no idea how it would perform, but had done some running with that engine with the Dunlop tyres.
Some bodywork changes had to be made for cooling, because the Honda unit had a different cooling system to the Nissan. We didn’t really know how that was going to affect the balance and the downforce, but to go out and lap the way we did, putting it on pole position after we had been last in first free practice, was a tremendous achievement from the team.
At early doors, Gustavo got turned around and had a little tussle with Mike Valiente, so after that, we just had to fight back. I jumped in and managed to get past Barbosa in the closing laps, getting nearer to Scott Pruett, but it wasn’t to be as he’d done a superhuman job on fuel mileage. I’m not sure on what it was running on, when that car crossed the finish line.
It was a fantastic performance, which was somewhat gladiatorial, but it was quite hot that day, so it was a case of trying to work out ventilation, unlike the guys in the DP cars, who have their cool suits and air conditioning. We felt like underdogs when we were racing there, but that is when I perform at my best.
As we always find at this point in the season, there is always so much chatter about what drivers will be doing this year. Your name’s been mentioned a lot on social media when it comes to potentially being linked with the Nissan LMP1 project, especially with your association with the Japanese manufacturer from your first season out in sportscars with Greaves Motorsport.
This was when you raced with your dad, Martin, at Le Mans not that long ago. Is there anything you are able to confirm at this time, or are you still in talks with teams at the moment?
I’m still talking to a few people, especially as it is still early in the off-season. Obviously, a LMP1 chance would be fantastic, but you have to be in the right place at the right time, as well as making the right noises, which is through skill and talent.
I’m confident in my own ability, and what I am able to do in the car. It’s just a case of making it work out, so I’m still talking with teams. I’ll definitely be in endurance racing this year and I’m working hard on the big events and possible drive for those to help my career.
But I also am at an age where I need to demonstrate my skills and abilities, so I’m looking for the best possible place to do that, meanwhile trying to move into a manufacturer-backed program, be it either this year or in 2016.
One of the biggest pieces of news that hit the sportscar world was the retirement of “Mister Le Mans” himself Tom Kristensen, who is a top driver and true gentleman. What are your thoughts on the legacy that he has left behind for a lot of people to look up and be inspired by?
It’s always strange that the guys that are the absolute megastars have time for everyone, as he did whenever he was in the paddock. He had no pretense or arrogance, despite his seemly insurmountable achievements in a race car.
I think that is a lesson for a young driver such as myself in how to go racing effectively, as he was quite clearly doing something right. It’s great that his career was celebrated the way it was when he decided to hang up his race boots, and I’m sure we’ll see him around doing some type of function for Audi into the future.
I think that is a lesson for a young driver such as myself in how to go racing effectively, as he was quite clearly doing something right. It’s great that his career was celebrated the way it was when he decided to hang up his race boots, and I’m sure we’ll see him around doing some type of func