Five drivers will be flying the flag for Brazil at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year. All of them stand a real chance of winning in their respective classes. One of them, Lucas Di Grassi, could even clinch the overall victory. Brazil is especially well represented in Le Mans this year. In fact, to find such a strong line-up of Brazilian drivers, we would have to go back to 2008 and the era of Ricardo Zonta (Peugeot), Jaime Melo (Ferrari), Christian Fittipaldi and Alexandre Negrão (Aston Martin) and Thomas Erdos (MG).

“As a country, we’re very proud to be Brazilians, but at the same time we’re rarely at the top of anything when it comes to true international competition,” explains Bruno Senna. “So whenever I can, I try to put the Brazilian colours at the top.” Senna competes in Formula E (the all-electric single-seater championship) alongside his endurance programme, and is one of the most popular drivers in the discipline. So can the fans’ support be turned into a real advantage on the track? “Brazilians are very passionate people and when they’re behind you, they’re 100% behind you, which is awesome! I always try to do my very best to make those super fans happy!”

Having five Brazilian drivers on the grid no doubt creates bonds. “I know all of them very well and we’re good friends! Me, Lucas and Nelson race together in Formula E and WEC, so we meet up a lot. I met Pipo this year and we’re getting along very well. He’s teaching me lots of stuff about the LMP2 car! Fernando Rees is a great friend and we had some time racing in GTs together. I always wish my very best to the other Brazilian drivers, but at the same time, I try to beat them and the others every time.”

And what if the Brazilian drivers triumphed at Le Mans? They certainly have every chance.

Lucas Di Grassi (#8 Audi R18, Audi Sport Team Joest) competes in LM P1 and can aim for overall victory.

Nelson Piquet Jr (#12 Rebellion R-one, Rebellion Racing) is well placed in the “privateer” LM P1 segment.

Luis Felipe Derani (#31 Ligier JS P2, Extreme Speed Motorsports), and Bruno Senna (#43 Ligier JS P2, RGR Sport by Morand) are up against one another in LM P2. The former has already won the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring this year, while the latter took the LM P2 class win at the 6 Hours of Silverstone.

Fernando Rees (#97 Aston Martin Vantage, Aston Martin Racing) is the only Brazilian in LM GTE Pro. With Richie Stanaway, his regular team-mate, and the explosive Jonny Adam, they could well cause some upset in the class. 

Photo: Bruno Senna, racing for RGR Sport by Morand, will be flying the flag for Brazil as he guns for victory.