Pescarolo Team, who bear the responsibility of the Dome entry to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has appeared at the Spa-Francorchamps WEC, the 'dress rehearsal'. Nicolas Minassian, who shares the wheel of the prototype with Sebastien Bourdais, expressed satisfaction with the way the event is going for them.

The Dome S102.5 is not a competitor in the FIA World Endurance Championship. So why race the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps WEC?
Nicolas Minassian: "We are preparing for Le Mans. In race conditions, things are often different from what we see in testing."

Are you satisfied with the first two days?
"Our philosophy also applies to the car. Yesterday, it was in 'Le Mans' configuration, with a very low aerodynamic force. We are pleased to see that it will be quick. We will continue working in this direction because Le Mans is a high speed circuit. The seconds gained on the straight could not be found elsewhere ... It is also free time! However, we must remain vigilant not to go overboard and make the car undriveable. That's what we wanted to do yesterday."

Are you saying that the Dome S102.5 Judd will be fast on the straights?
"Here we reach 290 km/h, where the Audi does 300. At Le Mans, I think we can reach 320 km/h."

The Mulsanne straight has been resurfaced since the last Le Mans 24 Hours. What are the implications?
"I was there recently. The mix is ​​beautiful, it's a good job. The chicanes are less bumpy and have more grippy surface. We will go through more quickly and this will benefit the V-max."

Dome has always made a point of qualifying well...
"It will be the case again this year. It's part of our program and we will give it all our heart!"

Back to Spa-Francorchamps. What do you anticipate for the race?
"Tomorrow, we return to the settings best suited to this circuit. I think we will be able to keep pace with the Lola-Toyota, even though it will not be easy."

Is a podium finish a possibility?
"The Audi team is favourite, but the rain could mix things up. We drove on a wet track in Spain with the Dome, and it felt good. We are confident."

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Julien Hergault

Photo: FRANCORCHAMPS (LIEGE, BELGIUM), SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS CIRCUIT, 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Thursday, 3rd May, 2012. Nicolas Minassian.