Last year, you raced in the European Le Mans Series. One year later, what do you think of that championship?

"It is a rather competitive series. It was the right place to develop our LM P2 prototype, the BR01. It went well, we had a good season with a new car. All the work we did was to prepare to enter the World Endurance Championship."

You also debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year. What do you remember from the experience?

"I have very good memories, especially of the track which is incredible. It is a real speed circuit where at times you're going full-on and I enjoy that."

You're coming back to Le Mans and this year you'll be at the wheel of the No. 27 BR01 along with Nicolas Minassian and Maurizio Mediani. What are your goals?

"Last year, it was only the car's second race, after Imola in the ELMS. Now, we are used to the car as well as the track. The LM P2 class will be great this year, the level is even higher than in 2015 and it won't be easy for anyone. But when you compete, your goal is to win, so that's what we're going after."

You have raced in Europe and now you're racing in the U.S. (in the IndyCar Series). Is motorsports on the two continents different?

"Yes, already relative to the tracks. The circuits here in the U.S. look like what was seen in Europe some years back. That's actually what I like about IndyCar, racing at that type of track. I don't like circuits where there are a lot of asphalt clearances, for example. I believe if you make a mistake, you need to pay for it. The city circuits in the U.S. give you no second chance. The slightest error at Le Mans has its cost (laughs). That's one of the reasons I love the 24 Hours of Le Mans."

We are in Indianapolis. How are legendary races like the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans perceived in Russia?

"They are two great races. Both are broadcast on Russian television. I know the 24 Hours of Le Mans, for example, is widely watched. There are a lot of fans of that race. Motorsports is more prevalent in Russia than it used to be. Ten years ago, we could not have imagined races at the Moscow Raceway circuit (where Formula Renault 3.5 and the World Touring Car Championship, the WTCC, take place, editor's note) or at Sotchi. Also we couldn't have imagined that Russia would have its own Formula 1 Grand Prix nor drivers such as Daniil Kvyat (former Red Bull Racing F1 driver and now Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 driver). Motorsports is growing in Russia that's for sure."  

Interview conducted at Indianapolis.

Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO