Nicki Thiim was a busy man at Silverstone last weekend, racing in both the European Le Mans Series for TF Sport and in the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). “It was my first appearance in ELMS. It’s not that far from what I’m used to with the FIA WEC. It’s a great experience coming into a new championship, and a new team. It’s always good to meet new people. Practice went well with some very good times and we qualified in pole position in LMGTE. In the race yesterday [Saturday], the car was just perfect and we won on our ELMS début which is a great result. It gives a motivation boost to the whole crew.”

In addition to bringing his peak speed to the ELMS outfit, Thiim has a special role within TF Sport. “As a gold driver, it’s as much about coaching and supporting the other guys who are new to the championship and 4-hour races. It’s a part of the job I enjoy doing. It’s different in “Pro” in the FIA WEC, because we have to push from the very first second because everyone who is out there is worth their money.”

The season opener at Silverstone is a little unusual for the teams with its joint ELMS/FIA WEC meeting, but it does not bother the Aston Martin Racing factory driver to run two races the same weekend. “You can’t do enough races! I wouldn’t mind doing ten (laughs). We only spend an hour or two at the wheel in each race so, physically, it’s not a problem.”

Aston Martin is one of the official FIA WEC entrants but with a car that is already tried and tested, few changes have been made during the off-season. “We just put a really fast livery on it (laughs). This year’s Aston Martin Vantage is the same car as in 2016. To be honest, only Porsche have come up with something new. We still have the same ‘lady’. She did a good job last year and can definitely do it again this season.”

The team has lofty ambitions for the season after winning the FIA World Endurance Cup for GT Drivers in 2016. “I can’t wait to get started and bang some wheels with the other guys. We have spent the winter testing and it’s getting a bit boring (laughs). It’s a fresh start. Of course, you get people coming up to you as the reigning champion, but for us, right now, it starts from scratch. I just want to go out there and do the job. We need to improve on the things we didn’t do well last year like our poor start to the season where we didn’t get any points at Spa. Consistency is very important to keep the whole crew motivated. You should never lose your aim and always keep your mind positive.”

The team’s big target this year is the 24 Hours of Le Mans (17–18 June). “Last year, we finished fifth in the LMGTE Pro class. We were really fast and I was impressed with the team taking it to another level. We managed to be P2 in the WEC field [the first three cars to finish did not score points as they were not World Endurance Championship entries], which probably helped us become champions in the end because of the double points allocated at Le Mans. I’m sure we’ll be there or thereabouts again this year. The ACO and FIA are doing a really good job with the Balance of Performance, although some may say differently. The 24 Hours of Le Mans will have a quality grid as usual and we’ll see how the new Porsche 911 RSR behaves. It will surely be a close battle which is what everyone wants to see!”

Thiim predicts an exciting future for the World Endurance Championship in his class. “LMGTE Pro is growing year on year. Porsche has come in with a new car this season, BMW will be there next season, and I hope others will follow. GTE is set to be top of the pops!”

After winning the ELMS round (in LMGTE), Thiim took P6 in LMGTE Pro at the 6 Hours of Silverstone (FIA WEC). All in all, a successful Easter weekend for the Dane. 

Photo (Laurent Cartalade / VSA): Nicki Thiim at the Prologue, the FIA WEC official tests, at Monza.