Photo : Sebastien BASSANI (ACO) -

 

Oreca, Pescarolo, Aston Martin, Peugeot and for the last two seasons Toyota: Stéphane Sarrazin is one of the most iconic drivers in the world of endurance racing. In the Place de la République, his popularity was evident in the cheers of a particularly demonstrative public. For the driver from Ales (south of France), Sunday's race promises to be more formidable than ever and the two TS040 Hybrids have shown their performance since the beginning of the season, he says Audi are the true favourites of this 82nd edition.

Since 2001 your first visit here, is pesage (scrutineering) always a special moment?
"This is a great week ahead. You can feel the atmosphere rise slowly and mixing with the fans, it's great. And with the sunshine is the even more significant. You get messages of support for all French drivers, we can not expect better before tackling the serious things. It remains for us to work well during test sessions to be ready for the race. "

The Toyota team has been announced favourite for the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2014. Is it a feeling that you share?
"We actually made a very good start in the FIA World Endurance Championship and at the Le Mans Test Day we showed that we were quick here. However, the experience and track record of the Audi team make them favourites more than us. We know what it takes to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans: never stop for anything other than put fuel and change tyres. We will get on with it! "

Pierre-Yves Riom / ACO - Translation Dave Davies / ACO

Photo : LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SUNDAY 8th JUNE 2014, SCRUTINEERING. Stéphane Sarrazin will race in his 13th 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of a Toyota TS040 Hybrid.