One of the drivers to pass through scrutineering yesterday was Franck Montagny.  Of the 10 contracted Peugeot drivers in 2011, he was the only one to have not found a drive for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (Pagenaud not being available due to Indycar commitments).  But, following Guillaume Moreau’s accident at the test day (see article), the Frenchman has joined Oak Racing.

Before finding the last minute seat at Oak Racing, how did you think you’d approach this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans?

I didn’t think about it.  It didn’t even follow the test day!

Is it difficult to fit into a team at the last minute?

Yes.  I sat in the car for the first time this afternoon.  It’s a bit stressful to have to learn about a prototype at the official tests.  I really hesitated before saying ‘yes’ to Jacques Nicolet.  I worried about not being up the level of their expectations.

Le Mans is won as a team.  Can you develop such a bond with your team mates in so little time?

I only know Bertrand (Baguette) and Dominik (Kraihamer) by reputation.  But we’re already playing jokes on each other squirting toothpaste!  That’s a good sign isn’t it?  Apart from that, the Oak Racing team is great as it’s very friendly but at the same time professional.

You know the Audi team from having raced against them in the past, and the Toyota team from having been one of their F1 test drivers.  Who is favourite for the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

I think Toyota is going to have a hard time compared to Audi for the first 12 hours but, at the finish I don’t think they will be there for the photo…

Translated from an interview with Julien Hergault

Photo:  CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES (LE MANS, SARTHE), SCRUTINEERING, 10TH JUNE 2012.  Franck Montagny.