How frustrating is it to compete in only one race (the 6 Hours of Nürburgring, editor's note) though you were supposed to do the entire World Endurance Championship season? (see article)

"Being benched is frustrating, and in terms of my career, it's not ideal. I was supposed to do the rest of the season at the wheel of the LM P1 but in motorsports you have to be willing to adapt. It was Rebellion Racing's call not to continue with only one car and the driver line-up of the #13 and I respect the decision. I'm setting aside the World Endurance Championship this year and fully focusing on my work at the wheel of Thiriet by TDS Racing's LM P2."

Is there more info about Rebellion Racing's 2017 program?

"Nothing is shelved for now. The class is not expecting new arrivals and, with the new LM P2 regulations, it may be difficult to carve real gaps with these cars. The team is going to take a close look in the coming months and make a speedy decision relative to continuing and if so, how to move forward."

On the other hand, you had a fantastic season in LM P2 in the European Le Mans Series with a third victory this past weekend at the Paul Ricard circuit.

"It's true it went very well. In four races, we started on the first row four times, got two pole positions and won three times in a row! The only glitch was the retirement at Silverstone due to mechanical troubles,  but that's beyond our control as drivers. So now we are in the lead in the championship. We had announced as early as the beginning of the year that we were aiming for the title, we're not looking to come in second. I'm taking a step back to learn how to manage a race but also a championship, that's also how one wins them. We have two races left (Spa and Estoril, editor's note) and things can change quickly in the ELMS. You have to remain focused, continue to move forward, work toward the end of the season and the following year."

Was the lowpoint of your season the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

"We've moved on, but yes at Le Mans we had the opportunity to claim at least a podium finish if not victory. It would have been a real boost for the whole team. That's also why in the ELMS we really want to do well. We weren't able to do so at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, we owe it to ourselves to win the title. Pierre (Thiriet, editor's note) drives extremely well, but let's not forget he's a gentleman. He made a little mistake at Le Mans, that's how it goes. He learned from his error, it's part of the learning curve for every driver."

Tell us about Thiriet by TDS Racing's 2017 season.

"Thiriet by TDS Racing's goal is to continue in LM P2, a class that is really thriving. It's not my place to announce the team's intentions, but I think it would be very interesting to continue with the Oreca and, in my opinion, that's the direction they're heading. As far as I'm concerned, nothing is set in stone. My employer remains Rebellion Racing and I don't forget it's thanks to them I have work, can live my passion and be a part of this team. I am with Rebellion this year and I hope in the future."

Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO

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