24h Le Mans
The pressure is off! The race is over and the podium awaits the lucky few who have run the (near) perfect race. Many go through a whole career without the pleasure of a 24 Hours of Le Mans podium!
Driver’s impressions...
Paul-Loup Chatin, #48 Oreca 07-Gibson, IDEC Sport (LMP2): It’s magic! I was lucky enough to get on the podium on my Le Mans début and it will always be one of the best moments of my life. This is what we do the job for! It is just unforgettable but there’s something that should not be taken lightly: if you’re on the podium, it’s mainly due to the whole team behind you and also to your loved ones who have given you encouragement when you need it. It’s also a reward for the sacrifices that you have made to get there. You have to savour the moment as it all goes by very quickly!
Andy Priaulx, #67 Ford GT, Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK (LMGTE Pro): Being on the podium here at Le Mans is really something else. I’ve been lucky enough to do it twice. You feel good up there [smiles]. What is really nice is that you get to talk to your two teammates at the same time for the first time in 24 hours! It’s a fantastic experience especially when for British drivers with all those fans down on the track.
Tristan Gommendy, #39 Oreca 07-Gibson, Graff Racing (LMP2): Standing on the podium is an extraordinary feeling. Of course, there’s a sporting element involved but you still tell yourself that you’re lucky to be there. I’ve had that honour on two occasions. Sometimes you’re disappointed you’ve missed out on a win when you’ve gone close, but it is still an extraordinary moment! You have thousands of people cheering and applauding you. And that’s when you get the measure of what the magic of 24 Hours of Le Mans is all about.
André Lotterer, #1 Rebellion R13-Gibson (LMP1): It’s the best view in the world [smiles]. I’ve been lucky enough to stand on the top step three times [2011, 2012 and 2014]. It’s an extremely satisfying feeling. When you win this race, you have “Le Mans 24 Hours winner” sort of stamped on your forehead for life! You join a circle of legendary drivers and I can tell you that when you win, it is life-changing.
Cooper MacNeil, #84 Ferrari 84 GTE, JMW Motorsport (LMGTE Am): It’s really a special feeling to see that sea of people – it’s breathtaking! I was up there last year [3rd in LMGTE Am] and I’ll do anything to experience that again. I’m confident, I’m now with JMW Motorsport who won this class last year. The podium is also a sort of reward for all the work done all week. But you have to deserve it and your satisfaction in finishing Le Mans is commensurate with how tough your race has been.
