24h Le Mans
A major contender in the GTE class for 10 years now, AF Corse pillar and former Grand Prix winner Giancarlo Fisichella is gearing up for his 11th 24 Hours of Le Mans.
He talks about the last Grand Prix at Mugello, describes jumping up and down in front of his T.V. when Pierre Gasly won Monza, chastises the domination of Mercedes, says he feels for Scuderia Ferrari: Giancarlo Fisichella comes alive as soon as he hears the word F1, the stage of his greatest sporting exploits. He gets carried away, gesticulates, but doesn't show the slightest nostalgia. Like Jean Alesi, his teammate with AF Corse in 2010 for his first season in GT: that was 2010, this is now.
Giancarlo Fisichella: "It has been 10 years, where did the time go? Ten years of pure fun. It's the class I chose after F1. I remember it wasn't easy in the beginning. I had to adapt my driving, go into corners earlier, hurry over the curbs - so many things you just don't do in single-seaters. It took me a season to feel really comfortable." Wins followed in the WEC, the ELMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice (2012 and 2014) with Gianmaria Bruni and Toni Vilander, making him a top contender in the discipline for the Italian team.
"The atmosphere is fantastic, in the team and the paddock. It's very competitive but a lot more laid back than F1. It's a different life, easier. Across the seasons, my role has also evolved within AF Corse. Since 2018, I've been working with gentlemen-drivers. I spend more time with them in front of the computer and in briefings. We look at what can be corrected, where they can improve. It's a new facet of my work that I am enjoying more and more. It's a true collaboration."
The native of Rome will take the start in his 11th 24 Hours tomorrow at 14:30. The race still has its mystery to him. "Le Mans is a beast, both friend and foe! There are so many factors to take into account that no two editions are alike in terms of weather, track conditions, etc. Sometimes it's like 24 hours of qualifying laps and others your strategy is more crucial. It's more or less complicated depending upon the year, but it is always a very difficult race physically and mentally." And this year will be no different…
"The longer night will have a serious impact in LMGTE Am since the Bronze drivers are less experienced. I think Francesco (Castellacci, Ed.) and I will be called upon more overnight. You have to be very consistent during the night stints, never let up and keep focused. It's pretty taxing. This will be the toughest 24 Hours of Le Mans in a long time!" That isn't stopping Fisichella from dreaming of winning after his second place finish in the class in 2018. "The level has increased in two years among the gentlemen-drivers. Certain Bronze drivers even seem like they're pros to me. But, like always, you just have to keep your head on straight, do your race and most of all not make any mistakes."
