Patrick, how would you describe your new role as co-owner of Dempsey Proton Racing and the 911 RSR with the number 77?
It’s great to be involved in motorsports from a new perspective. Last year I made the decision to mainly focus on motorsports as a driver. I raced in the FIA World Endurance Championship – one of the biggest and most rewarding challenges in my life. This year I am excited to support the team in my new role as a co-owner. Currently we are preparing for Silverstone and the team is doing a world-class job. I will be present there for the first round of the season, as well as in Le Mans.

How often will we see you at the racetrack?
I’ll try to be at the races as much as my schedule allows me to. I have always been a huge fan of motor sports and I love taking on new challenges. My new role as a co-owner of Dempsey Proton Racing gives me the opportunity to combine both. So far it’s been quite a rewarding experience to learn about the managerial aspects of co-owning a race team and I can’t wait to kick off the season in Silverstone this weekend.

With Richard Lietz and Michael Christensen, the FIA WEC title defenders are the lineup for the #77 911 RSR. Are you proud of having such great drivers?
Oh yes, extremely proud. Richard and Michael are amongst the fastest and most experienced drivers in the field. They have a lot of responsibility to defend the championship and they are the right drivers for this kind of pressure. I am incredibly lucky to have them in our team. But it will not be easy, as they are the only Porsche in LM GTE Pro class. And some other manufacturers are racing new cars in a full 2016 specification. Our car is an updated 2015 car. But reliability should be one of our advantages. And whenever the track is wet, the 911 is by far the best car on the grid. We have proven this multiple times in the past season.

Patrick Dempsey (Porsche) to take a break from racing #LM24 @dempseyracing @FIAWEC https://t.co/YTl5EuKijW pic.twitter.com/tTTqq7ccFe

— 24 Hours of Le Mans (@24hoursoflemans) March 8, 2016

In 2015 you mainly focused on improving your skills as a driver – with fantastic success. P2 in LM GTE Am in Le Mans and the win in Fuji. How was it for you?
Yes, it is completely a dream realized and come true. I worked very hard that season and it was great to achieve this many goals. It was a very fulfilling experience. As a sportsman success is what you are aiming for. All the preparation, all the workouts you do – you always have this success in mind. That’s your motivation.

Can you describe the feeling standing on the podium – especially in Le Mans – in front of thousands of fans?
This was my biggest dream come true. When you are standing up there in front of this massive crowd – it is hard to put it into words. It was so overwhelming and emotional in the best way. Especially when you think about the meaning and history of Le Mans and all the legendary race drivers who have raced there. I will certainly remember those moments for the rest of my life.

Are there other highlights of the 2015 season you want to mention?
I have tremendous, great memories from the 2015 season. I took my skills as a race driver to a new level which felt great. And working so closely with Porsche was really enjoyable. It was an extraordinary year. I look back at the season with great fondness and satisfaction.

What is your focus for 2016?
My focus is on building results as great as last year as a team leader. But as I already said: In LM GTE Pro class it will be even more difficult. I am looking foward to the first race in Silverstone very much.

Geoffroy Barre, quotes courtesy of a Porsche press release

Photo: In 2015, Patrick Dempsey finished runner-up in LM GTE Am at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with his own team. Being on the podium was a dream come true for the actor.