That team is Jacques Nicolet’s Onroak, a bona fide constructor in their own right, having produced the Ligier JS P2 in-house and sold it to customers on both sides of the Atlantic, including Michael Shank Racing, Krohn Racing and Extreme Speed Motorsports; whose fleet were entrusted to Derani to shake-down before Spa. And with the news that the French outfit will be designing an all-new LMP2 car for the 2017 regulations, the Brazilian can expect to play an important role in the testing and development should he stay for another season.
“It’s funny because it’s only been a few months or a year where everything has changed in my career and to see that they trust and respect what I’m doing is a great feeling,” he says. “It’s very satisfying that they’ve given me this responsibility to shake down cars for Onroak and for my career it couldn’t be a better learning experience because it pushes me forward every time I put on the helmet.
“It’s a great team and apart from being really professional, it’s like a big family. We have a lot of fun together, but in the end what makes the difference is the level of professionalism from the mechanics and everyone. If you look at the last race at the Nürburgring, every single pitstop and every crew member was spot on, we never made a single mistake. I’m really enjoying being able to race for this team, because when it’s time for work, we all know that we have to perform 100% otherwise it’s not what the big boss expects. But also when it’s time to enjoy ourselves and have fun together, we do so.”
Following in the footsteps of Hartley, Tincknell and Mike Conway by using LMP2 as a springboard to a manufacturer seat in
LMP1 remains the final hurdle, but with the addition of a mandatory rookie test to
be held after the final race in Bahrain, we could well see Derani with one foot in the door before too long.
“Obviously the aim for any young driver is to reach the top of what they want to do; LMP1 is the top class in sportscars and to get the chance you have to be one of the best out there. I’m pushing really hard to be one of those, so hopefully I get the chance to test and show them what I can do. So far I know only four drivers will be chosen, at least one new driver per manufacturer, so I’ve got to keep working hard and delivering good results. I have my fingers crossed that I can sit in one of those machines soon.”
Derani chats to Andre Lotterer ahead of the Silverstone 6 Hours. The Brazilian
aspires to join him in LMP1 before too long