You are about to compete in your second 24 Hours of Le Mans. What do you remember about your first participation in 2015 (with G-Drive Racing in the No. 28 Ligier JS P2 with Gustavo Yacaman and Ricardo Gonzales)?
"The atmosphere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is just incredible. To have nearly 300,000 spectators watching you race, including at night, to take on the Porsche curves with people barbecuing, it's crazy! For there to be so many people in just one week, at a single circuit, watching one race, it's crazy. It's something I'll never forget and that I want to relive as long as possible. The love and enthusiasm the spectators have for motorsports and for this race in particuliar are special. It gives you extra energy to win the race because you feel that shared passion all around you."

The LM P2 field at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is highly competitive. What are your impressions of the race? What will make the difference for you? 
"I don't think the 'make-no-mistakes' method will not be enough this year. It will be a very difficult sprint from beginning to end. In my opinion, the difference will be made by the Silver drivers because they will have to drive at least six hours total. For professional drivers, it will be full-on the entire time. In short, it will be all about flawlessness and speed. It will be a sprint not only for the drivers but also for the mechanics, engineers, team members so as to save time in the pits. That will be one of the keys of the race. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there will always be surprises, and weather conditions will also play a role."

You are a very fast driver, you are mentioned a great deal within the LM P1 teams. Which class will be your next step? 
"LM P1 interests me a great deal it's true! Since I have been competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, my ultimate goal is to race in this class. Meanwhile, I know I have to earn the wheel. That's why when I get in the car, I always try to do my best. I hope to be able to continue to show what I can do and one day try LM P1. I'm not putting any pressure on myself to make the move, I put pressure on myself to overcome my weaknesses. I try to be the most well-rounded driver possible and show as an LM P2 driver, I deserve to try my hand in LM P1. I hope I will be given the chance. They say I'm still young but I feel ready."

David Bristol / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SUNDAY JUNE 5 2016, TEST DAY. Pipo Derani will compete in his second 24 Hours of Le Mans.