Nicolas Armindo is the top driver in the team IMSA Performance Matmut Porsche 997 RSR #67. The reigning champion of the Le Mans Series is preparing for his second participation in the 24 hours of Le Mans.

Last year you were a rookie here in Le Mans. What are your fondest memories of that event?
Nicolas Armindo : "Everything! I like to look at the whole experience like a movie, analyzing every single moment of it. I know that my driving skills improved a lot during that month of June. I've canceled everything else this year to be able to stay for the duration of the test, so I can get the best possible preparation for this year's race."

Do you have a special preparation routine for this race, or do you go about it like any other race?
"First of all, you have to go about Le Mans very humbly. You have to stay focused all the time, more so than on any other circuit. I've now been able to accumulate quite some experience and by now I know a couple of things you are not supposed to do. That in itself is a great step forward already, and I'll use test day to see where I can get better."

There is a lot of strong competition in the LM GTE class. What is your plan for the race?
"I will not let myself be distracted by what is going on in the other teams. We have a great car, with a good setup, a team that is honed in, so all the ingredients for success are there. we do not necessarily have to be the quickest, but the most consistent ones."

What is your goal for the 24 hours of Le Mans?
"If it was not to win the race, I would not have come here. aim to win. We have what it takes to do it! "

You won the title in the Le Mans Series last year. Did that boost your career?
"Yes, that has been a bonus, but I need to collect a couple more titles. Within the team, the benefits from last year's title are more direct."

Looks like you're at ease in this family-like team?
"Indeed, this is a fabulous team, and something like a family. All the mechanics, Raymond Narac, Anthony Pons, Franck Rava, the team's physician, we really are like family. We even have a great relationship with our main sponsor. I'm really lucky to be able to drive for IMSA Performance Matmut, and I always look forward to meet the team at every new race."

David Bristol (translated)

Photo : FRANCORCHAMPS (LIEGE, BELGIUM), 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS WEC, RACE, MAY 5, 2012. After the difficult weather conditions in the Belgian Ardennes, Nicolas Armindo and his Porsche 911 are now in La Sarthe for test day in preparation of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2012.