Le Mans 2014 - Patrick Dempsey: "It's a big change in terms of credibility"

 

Photo : PASCAL SAIVET / VSA

 

What has changed for you since last year?
Patrick Dempsey. "I think other drivers look at me no longer as an actor, but as a driver! I worked very hard to get into this world and I think they appreciate those efforts. Also, having someone like Patrick Long (winner at Le Mans in GT in 2004 and GT2 in 2007 as well as ALMS champion in 2005, 2009 and 2010) with us is certainly a source of inspiration. Journalists' questions have also changed, and I'm happy about that. Before it was: 'why are you doing this?' and now it's: 'what do you think of this new rule?' And my responses mean something now because I'm a team boss as well. For me, this recognition is important. It's a big change in terms of credibility!"

And in terms of your driving, is there an evolution/revolution there as well ?
"The more time you spend in a car, the more you feel comfortable. Especially here at Le Mans! In terms of laptimes, I'm already quicker than I was last year. That's thanks to evolutions on the car and technology, but my own experience plays a part in that. I understand better where I am, and where I need to be...My eyes are no longer searching for where to go!"

What do you think is missing in your current driving ability to take the next step ?
"Another foot or two under braking (laughs) ! Identifying braking points is really what I have focused on during testing. The last sector is definitely the one where I lose the most tenths. And I'm working on this with my teammates. In this sport, and this is part of what makes it so special in my eyes, there is always something to learn. In motor racing, there is a perpetual challenge."

Is the challenge even tougher when you become team boss in addition to driver ?
"It's more difficult that's true ! A team boss is always trying to find solutions in order to do things properly, especially financially. His first priority is to give the team what it needs to work at max capacity. It's not easy, but at the same time its fun. A team is a group of people who push themselves and grow together…"

How have you prepared for the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours ?
"I began much earlier. I worked on cardio. I'm in much better shape and it makes a big difference."

Would less attention from fans make a big difference as well ?
"I try to be very coherent in what I'm doing. I try to pay attention to who is around me, especially when it comes to kids. There are also fans who are happy to be here, happy to show you their support, and it's out of the question to refuse autographs. Trying to give as many people a little of my time is a pleasure. It's a fabulous thing and a challenge at the same time. You have to find the right balance because it's also important to be where we need to be in order to do what we need to do."

Speaking of balance, how do you juggle all of your professional obligations. Physical training, travel, races...Are you less and less on film sets these days?
"Combining the schedules is certainly not easy which is why I decided to do nothing else but take part in races from the last few months. Driving at the level cannot be improvised and demands time. I'm in a position that allows me to do both, but it's a balancing act. I'll be back to work for the show in July..."

Are there similarities between driving and acting ?
"There is one: waiting around (laughs) ! In both cases, I spend a lot of time sitting in a chair."

J.-Michel Desnoues - Translation Rainier Ehrhardt / ACO

Photo : LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014. Expectations are high for Patrick Dempsey who is aiming for a podium finish in LM GTE Am.