Photo : Sebastien BASSANI (ACO)

 

You have come to Le Mans 20 times but you only count 19 participations. Why?
Olivier Beretta: "The first year, it was with the Courage C41 in 1995 but we were disqualified because of a weight problem (too light car after testing) So I officially started in 1996 at the wheel of the Viper GTS-R (with Eric Helary and Philippe Gache)."

Before the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, you were in Formula One What did you think at the time of the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
"24 Hours of Le Mans was not a priority at the time. When I was young, I was doing Karting and I dreamed of single seater racing. But I still always followed the 24 Hours of Le Mans ... even from afar. When I was a kid, it was already a legendary race at night with rain, fog and the crews were two drivers at the time. Then I had the chance to see it from the inside..."

What images come to mind when you hear the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1995 mentioned?
"Discovery and disappointment. The car was very good and we could have a great race. Unfortunately because of this weight problem, we were disqualified. I experienced the week and just after the testing, we were denied access to the race. The disappointment has passed and I did the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Hughes Chaunac and the epic Viper. We have won several times and we had so many good times."

David Bristol / ACO

Photo : LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, MONDAY 9TH JUNE 2014, SCRUTINEERING. This year, Olivier Beretta is teaming up this hear with James Calado and Davide Rigon at the wheel of the #71 Ferrari 458 Italia.