Photo : - Julien Hergault - ACO/Nikon

Two weeks before the launch of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, Olivier Panis explains the reasons for his reluctance to pursue the adventure in endurance racing with Oreca.

Who could forget the images of the Oreca 908 coming to rest at Arnage and tears of Hugues de Chaunac on the shoulder of his driver Olivier Panis? Today the Andros Trophy snow has blanketed the scars of Le Mans, and the man from Grenoble is again ready for battle.

Why did you decide to embark on another season of endurance racing?
Olivier Panis: "Simply because even if our Peugeot 908 HDi FAP is not new, I think it's still a good card to play!"

But why wait so long to confirm?
"Actually, I did not want to come back ... It was so magical last year that I was afraid of finding a car sanitized by the new regulations. Hugues de Chaunac asked me to try the car, not to convince me to sign but because he wanted to know what I thought of adapting the engine to the new restrictions. I was very surprised that it had lost none of its phenomenal torque, and only the top speed suffers with the new air restrictors. The car retains all its charm."

And the motivation is still there?
"I had a break of six months, and it made me much better. When I got back in the 908, I was as happy as before. I want it to give me one more chance to win Le Mans."

You really believe that the "old" 908 may win this year?
"I think we have a chance. Our car is mature, and I feel that everyone is in trouble with the new regulations. We have a chance to win Sebring and Le Mans also. It must be remembered that the Audi was significantly slower than us last year, and still achieved a hat-trick! Anything is possible in endurance!"

Julien Hergault

Photo: PARIS, ANDROS TROPHY FINAL STADE DE FRANCE. Saturday, March 5, 2011. With Skoda, Olivier Panis finished fourth in the Andros Trophy 2010/2011.