Olivier Pla is an emblematic figure of modern endurance racing. This year, the Ford works driver is competing in the World Endurance Championship for the US marque. Teamed with Stefan Mücke and Billy Johnson in the #66 Ford GT, he ran P4 in LM GTE Pro at last month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans – his ninth appearance in the race.

At the invitation of Ford France, Pla has returned to the circuit for Le Mans Classic for the very first time. “I’d never been to Le Mans Classic before. I have to admit I’m not a fan of vintage cars. As I often say, you have to move with the times. However, when you’re a motor racing driver and it’s your job, you have to know what happened in bygone years too. I am here for Ford France and when they asked, I didn’t hesitate a second. I wanted to see the event close at hand.”

While the driver, who is just back from the United States after a race in Watkins Glen, is delighted to accept the invitation to attend Le Mans Classic, Pla is not yet ready to race historic vehicles. “When I’ve retired from motorsport, I might give it a go (laughs). Never say never! But I think I’ve got a few years ahead of me yet.”

Nonetheless the 35-year-old knows that this type of racing attracts quite a few drivers he regularly encounters at the race track. “This year, Romain Dumas (24 Hours of Le Mans winner in 2010 and 2016), Soheil Ayari and Emmanuel Collard are all here driving.”

Pla’s first visit to Le Mans Classic has however aroused his interest for this type of event. “This is a million miles from the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Le Mans Classic is a lot more relaxed and people are here to enjoy the occasion. It’s great to see motorsport under conditions like these too.”