24h Le Mans
Thanks to Graff Racing's owner Pascal Rauturier, the French team is back at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 years after its last participation led by its creator Jean-Philippe Grand. The outfit is entering two Oreca 07-Gibsons in the LMP2 class.
What are your thoughts on the beginning of your European Le Mans Series season?
"We are pleasantly surprised by our performances, especially since we're new to our class. We have the team, the car and the drivers to achieve good results, like at Monza where we had hoped for even better after scoring pole position, but we couldn't be happier."
Is being at the 24 Hours of Le Mans a kind of culmination for you?
"Yes! It's truly satisfying to be at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, that was our challenge. We built this team to come back to Le Mans, to continue Graff Racing's story and it's the culmination of work begun four years ago now with Eric (Trouillet, Ed.). This will be Graff Racing's 12th participation in the 24 Hours and it has been 24 years since the team has been to Le Mans (1993 with a Spice SE89C entered in C2, driven by Jean-Bernard Bouvet, Richard Balandras and Bruno Miot, 20th overall, Ed.). We are going to do everything we can for things to go well."
How are you feeling now that it's just a few days from the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
"It hasn't hit me yet to be honest. We've been here for a little more than two weeks, we've set everything up, participated in Test Day, and I can't believe we're here about to compete in the one of the biggest races in the world. It's just magical. We're next to Porsche and other top teams in the pits. Just a year ago, we did Road to Le Mans and watched the 24 Hours of Le Mans from the sidelines. I'm over the moon!"
What is your goal for Sunday 18 June at 3:00 p.m.?
"To finish the race! Like I told the entire team and the drivers, the main objective is for the car to avoid breaking down. Then for the drivers not to make any mistakes on the track, no contact much less an accident. Lastly, for the team not make any mistake in the pits or preparing the cars. If these three things come together, we should do well at the finish."
What do you think of the LMP2 field at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
"The level is extremely high with excellent drivers and strong line-ups. It's going to be thrilling to watch and experience, the race will be an open playing field. It'll be a 24-hour sprint that takes you along for the ride."
PHOTO (Copyright - Olivier Beroud/VSA): Pascal Rauturier talking with Eric Trouillet.
