Could you tell us about your background?
I started out in the Scirocco Cup in Germany, a championship organised by Volkswagen as a talent spotting exercise. The cars were front-wheel drive, which wasn’t really my cup of tea, I must admit. They understeer a lot. Then I did the Mitjet 2L series with Yvan Muller Racing and won the French championship. Then we moved up a notch, to the French Supertouring championship and we won that too. This year, we go international with the European Le Mans Series in LM P3. I’m still with Yvan Muller Racing, driving a Ligier JS P3.

Why did you turn to LM P3 after winning in Supertouring? Was it a logical step for you personally or was it just because the team was moving into that class anyway?
Logically, I should have carried on to GT. But when you look at the best drivers’ records, they have all driven cars with plenty of aerodynamics. It will be another string to my bow and I know I have a lot more to add. It will be good experience, something new to learn.

What did you think of the Ligier JS P3?
We had a dry track in Barcelona and a wet one a Magny-Cour so we have tested it in different conditions. It’s a pleasure to drive. It’s all new to me, because I’ve never driven a car with downforce. In the rain, it was a little more difficult because it’s very stiff and grip is never great in the wet. I loved it. I just need to carry on adjusting to it and the season will go well I’m sure.

What can you tell us about your teammates?
I’ll be driving with Alexandre Cougnaud and Thomas Laurent. Thomas is probably better known because he has just won the Karting KZ2 world championship. Alexandre has driven in European Formula 3 and Porsche Carrera Cup. So he has experience with aerodynamics. Thomas and I will be able to learn from him.

What are your hopes for your first ELMS season?
There are 22 LM P3s in ELMS, with some very good drivers. We’ll work hard on the car and as a team because we’re out to win. We know we’ll be a bit behind in the first rounds because the other drivers have more experience with this type of car, but we’ll work our way up, starting with Silverstone.

LM P3 leads to LM P2 which is the pathway to Le Mans. Is that an aim?
I never miss the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, the last two years I was revising for exams so my Mum wasn’t very happy at me staying up all night (laughs). But I can’t miss it. It gives me goose bumps. A few weeks ago I watched the film of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s magnificent. Of course, I’d love to take part one day. In a prototype or a GT, I don’t really mind. Just being on the grid would be fabulous.

Your manager is your uncle, Yvan Muller. How does that work on a day to day basis?
He’s strict but I like that because I know it’s so I progress faster. I’ve never done any go-karting, so I have a lot to learn. He wants me to avoid making the same mistakes that he made and not waste any time. It’s for my own good!

David Bristol / ACO — Translated from French by Emma Paulay

Photo: LAVAL (MAYENNE, FRANCE), WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH 2016. Yann Ehrlacher is itching to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a few years' time.