This is your first time in LM P2. How is it going so far?

“To be honest, it’s not very different to LM P1. The LM P2 cars have come a long way and are now very similar to the 2014-season LM P1s. They have better aerodynamics and a similar engine. The difference is that last year I drove a turbo engine. I hadn’t driven in endurance for eight months [since the 6 Hours of Nürburgring in July, ed.] and couldn’t be at the Prologue in Monza. [Prost was in Mexico for the Formula E championship,ed.] At Silverstone, it was a matter of finding my feet and I gradually got back in the swing of things at Spa-Francorchamps. I would have preferred to get a few more laps in earlier in the season.”

Are you looking forward to pitting your wits against another set of drivers in LM P2?

“When I started in LM P1, there were twelve cars. The Le Mans Series hit a high between 2009 and 2011 and the FIA World Endurance Championship attracted a large field in 2012. We also raced a lot in the States at the time and there was healthy competition there too. Then, from 2014 suddenly our only opponent was Team ByKolles and the LM P1 Hybrids were a long way off. So, yes, it felt good to be in a proper scrap with the LM P2 pack at Silverstone.”

How is it different to LM P1?  

"It’s not that different, but our job has changed. In LM P1, we had to manage engine settings at the wheel and we were more involved in development. Whereas, in LM P2, you just try and get the best out of the package you have. We knew it would mean reassessing our skills and we didn’t underestimate the competition: the teams or the drivers. So far, so good. The first two rounds of the WEC went well, even though we didn’t win.[Two second places, ed.] It’s tough out there.”

This year, you represent Vaillante Rebellion. What does the name Michel Vaillant  mean to you?

“Michel Vaillant is a name you associate with French motorsport. My family has always been friendly with the Gratons [authors of the series], so it’s great to be working with them. I hope we’ll do them proud and I think the link between fiction and reality is a lot of fun. It means a lot to be bringing Michel Vaillant back to Le Mans. But the most important thing is to do well in the race.”

How do you think the race will pan out in the LM P2 class?

“For Rebellion, it spells continuity. The team has been in endurance for ten years and in the WEC since it was introduced. We’ve achieved some great things, especially our two fourth places in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I think we can do well again this year. Of course, there are 25 cars and a few ELMS competitors thrown in too. However, Le Mans always stands apart. It’s a long race and there’s no point getting worked up. We’ve accomplished great things at Le Mans by being conservative. When you only have to stop for fuel and tyres, you’re in with a good chance. There aren’t many LM P1 hybrids and the ByKolles Racing Team car isn’t very reliable. There may well be an LM P2 in the top 5, or even on the podium.”

This will be your tenth Le Mans 24 Hours. Does one particular race stand out in your mind?

“Two, actually!” I would say 2012 when we came fourth, surrounded by Audis. We had a superb race and I believe our car spent the least time in the pits. If it wasn’t for a safety car period, we’d have been on the podium. 2014 was great too. We finished fourth with a car that hadn’t been on a track until five weeks before and broke down every three laps to start with. We went to Le Mans not knowing where we stood and we ended up at the foot of the podium, having had no issues at all. It was a great outcome for Rebellion, Oreca and everyone involved.”   

Rebellion, the latest instalment in the adventures of Michel Vaillant will be in bookstores [available in French only] from Friday 2 June. 

Photo (VSA / Pascal Saivet): Nicolas Prost heads for his tenth Le Mans 24 Hours.