You and John Booth have spent the last five years punching above your weight as a constructor after the proposed cost cap fell through in 2010. Have the recent regulatory changes to LMP2 made WEC more attractive option than they would have been had things stayed the same?
I think the main attraction for us with regard to LM P2 is a combination of timing and also the fundamentals of the LM P2 category. The fact that LM P2 is strictly for racing teams, not manufacturers allows the teams to compete against each other on a pure racing basis and that was a huge attraction to us.
Do you believe the move away from constructors will create a more durable commercial environment despite having less wriggle room for innovation?
Yes. Innovation is obviously important but I believe that there is still a lot of scope for teams to innovate. Ultimately it is competition that drives innovation and I think that the category will be very competitive.
Carlin and Campos have both forged technical partnerships in Formula E with varying success. Given (in theory) it’s possible to run at the front of FE on a fraction of F1’s budget, was a move to the series ever a consideration?
We looked at Formula E when it was first being established. It was obvious to see some of the commercial opportunities but at that time it just wasn’t right for us. Now our focus is firmly on WEC, it is a new Championship for us and we have a lot to learn but we are very excited about the upcoming season.
Operationally Formula 1 has always run like a Swiss watch, but strategically it looks like the lunatics have taken over the asylum. Now that you’re out of the F1 fishbowl, do you think the series is on a precipice?
I don’t think that it is on a precipice but I do believe that a lot of things could be done to allow the true potential of Formula 1 to be realised. It is certainly a difficult place for some teams to be operating. I have spent the last seven years immersed in Formula 1 and it certainly gives you the opportunity to both understand the real potential of the formula but also observe the things that could be improved.
What’s the interest been like from investors/sponsors with the new move? Is WEC proving to be a drawcard?
Yes. The fundamental commercial model for WEC is attractive. Like all teams, we will be working hard ahead of the 2016 season but we have been able to build a new team very quickly and we would not have been able to do that if the investment proposition wasn’t attractive.
Oreca and Ligier were both strong last year. What swayed Manor towards Oreca?
We have enormous respect for both Ligier and ORECA, they are both very professional manufacturers and make great products. It was a close decision but the decision to go with ORECA just felt right. They have been very supportive and we have enjoyed a really positive relationship with them.