There is a large and highly competitive LMP2 grid. What do you need to be in with a chance of success?
Very consistent performances across the driver line-up. On other circuits and at shorter races, one very fast driver can make the difference, even if his teammates are a bit slower. At Le Mans, it’s another matter. You can’t make a mistake, even a minor one, and maintain exemplary consistency out on the track. You need to set a good a pace as possible, but you can’t just go flat-out to earn your place in the standings. An unexpected pitstop, the tiniest driver error or contact with a competitor would cost you dearly.

Le Mans is more than just a race: there is the atmosphere, the history and the traditions. What is the most exciting part of the week for you?
I’ve been lucky enough to be on the 24 Hours starting grid twice and it’s just incredible. In the car, during the formation lap, a few minutes after the national anthems, it’s pretty thrilling, I can tell you. I’m concentrated, ready to deal with any situation, but despite what is at stake, I manage to really enjoy the moment. It’s unforgettable Competing in such a legendary race, on home turf, with people all over the world watching, is just amazing.

You’ve competed at Le Mans three times (2014, 2015 and 2016). Have there been any particularly tough times?
Yes, being forced to retire after leaving the track at Mulsanne in the Alpine in 2015. The start of the race is thrilling but the feeling when you come back to your garage, see your teammates, the mechanics and the rest of team after a retirement is pretty hard to handle. That year, Nelson [Panciatici] , Vincent [Capillaire] and I had to fight hard to keep up with the new Oreca and Ligiers, and there wasn’t much room for caution. I braked at Mulsanne - just the same way as on the previous laps - but the rear wheels locked and I lost control. It was quite hard to get over that, to understand what had happened and analyse the technical data so we could learn from the experience and to make sure that kind of unknown factor wouldn’t lead to something as serious as a retirement at Le Mans again. I’ve handled the braking there differently since then. I’m a bit gentler on the brake pedal over the first few metres, to prevent a sudden change in the car’s attitude and balance.

What are the best settings for the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans?
Comfort comes first! I don’t mean a sluggish car that you can drive with one hand but a good result depends on stress-free management of the traffic, tyres and the overall pace of the race. I’ve already driven here with a car that gave too much oversteer, especially in the Porsche Curves. It was hard work and quite risky if you wanted to stay fast. Basically, over the whole race, to ensure a good series of stints, the three drivers have to feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel.

Chatin remains pragmatic and is approaching this Le Mans 24 Hours with modesty and determination. He hints at ‘creating a surprise’ despite the formidable competition, but is well aware that at Le Mans anything can happen, at any point in the race.

Photo: MPS Agency

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES DU MANS, SCRUTINEERING AHEAD OF TEST DAY, 2018. Paul-Loup Chatin missed 2017’s race but is back for his fourth Le Mans outing this year.