Photo : - ACO/Nikon

Like the other Le Mans Series contenders, the French driver discovered the Portimao circuit at the first running of the Algarve 1000kms, and is aiming at victory this year at the wheel of the 908 HDi FAP entered by Team Oreca Matmut.

Olivier Panis: “It is a hilly and varied circuit offering a very difficult challenge. I like it very much but it has a major flaw: the bumps. They make it very difficult to find a good aerodynamic and mechanical balance there. We have never competed on such a bumpy race track with the 908 before, but I think the car has what it takes to be competitive there. Temperature is very high in Southern Portugal at this time of the year, but it’s not a problem thanks to the air conditioning.”

The circuit commented by Olivier Panis
“The pit straight runs into a right corner and you don’t hesitate to use the kerb.”
“The second corner is at full throttle, and comes to a very tight right corner you must forget for the following left corner.”
“The long straight ends with a bumpy hairpin where you can easily lose the rear.”
“After another straight, then full throttle for Corner #6.”
“Then you come to a double right corner where you have to drive on the kerbs.”
“Then you have an upward and downward slope with a left corner. There the car’s set up plays an essential role to drive at full throttle.”
“The race track goes down to a curve at full throttle, with no major difficulties.”
“The next upward slope leads to a blind braking zone. Everyone has a line of his own there!”
“Then you come into an upward left at second speed.”
“A short throttle, and then a double right corner with banking. The second is very important because it prepares a long full-throttle period.”
“Full throttle once again for the last curve, but it’s a difficult one.”

Julien Hergault