Why did you choose to go into endurance racing after so many seasons in single-seaters?

"With Formula 1, the DTM, the IndyCar Series and Formula E, I think the World Endurance Championship is one of the top ones and so to me it meant competing in a very high level championship. Having done the Grand Prix of Monaco in Formula 1, there were two other great races I wanted to participate in: the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Going into endurance racing was a logical choice for me and my Formula E program in no way hinders me from doing so. I've never raced in this discipline before because I was too busy with Ferrari (JEV, his nickname, was a test driver for the Scuderia Ferrari from 2015 to 2016, Ed.)."

How does it feel driving an LMP2?

"It's absolutely fantastic because it's a great car. I have a lot of fun driving it and battling with the others LMP2s. I also have to fight in traffic, an aspect I was not familiar with before, but that I enjoy quite a great deal. I drove the Oreca 07-Gibson for the first time at Silverstone. I have to admit the time it has taken me to adapt has been quick, I haven't had any troubles and I'm thrilled about that."

You are going to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a few weeks. What are your thoughts on the race?

"Well, I didn't grow up in Le Mans, but I began my motorsports career in Le Mans, at the Filière. So it's a circuit that molded me in terms of competition. Having lived there a long while, this race and this circuit are in my blood. It is one of the most wonderful races in the world and I can't wait to do [the 24 Hours of Le Mans]."

Have you set any goals for yourself for the race?

"I havnen't set any specific goals unlike in the other classes I've competed in. The fate of the race is not in my hands. In single-seaters, as in Formula E (JEV represents the Techeetah team, Ed.), I look to win because the team and I are doing excellent work, and if I make a mistake, it's on me. In endurance racing there are three drivers and a lot of variables throughout a race this long. The only objective I've given myself is to help my teammates go faster, to set up the car, to do flawless stints, to lose less time in traffic and to bring back the car in good condition with good tires."

Are you concerned at all about the prospect of driving at night?

"I've already driven at night in Formula 1, though I think the circuits at Singapore and Abu Dhabi are lighted somewhat better than at Le Mans. I can't wait to see what it's like. I drove at night at Motorland Aragon (Spain, Ed.) with Toyota (Jean-Eric Vergne did some testing sessions with the Japanese marque in January of 2015, Ed.). All alone during a night stint for two hours is a bit rough, but I think it'll be ok at Le Mans (laughs, Ed.)."

What do you think about the LMP2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year?

"It will be very, very tough this year with 25 cars [in the class] at the start. The level is quite high, it puts pressure on the team. I think the battle will be extraordinary."

Photo (Copyright - Laurent Cartalade/VSA): Jean-Eric Vergne (center) with his teammate Jonathan Hirschi at the Silverstone autograph session in the U.K.