Romain Brandela (Morgan) gives us his impressions of the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours
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Romain Brandela (Morgan) gives us his impressions of the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours

Sixth in the LMP2 category and tenth overall, Romain Brandela

Romain Brandela (Morgan) revient sur les 24 Heures du Mans 2014

 

Photo : OLIVIER BEROUD / VSA

 

A rookie at Le Mans in 2013, Romain Brandela drove a Lola B11/47 for DKR Engineering. In 2014, with his sights set higher, he joined Morand Racing, with Gary Hirsch and Christian Klien (ex F1 and official endurance driver for Peugeot).


Romain, what was the highlight of your week in Le Mans?


“It has to be the finish. It’s a magical moment that I never thought I would experience. I had never imagined I could ever take part in such a race, so it was just amazing to be with my teammates and the incredible crowd at the end. It’s definitely the highlight of my second time.


If you had to pick just one memory at the wheel of the Morgan-Judd, what would it be?


“I remember being surprised. Pleasantly surprised. It was during the practice session on the Wednesday. I knew my lap times from last year in the Lola and I was pretty sure I could do much better in the Morgan. But I did even better than I thought. On the first timed lap, when I was still getting a feel for the track, I knocked seven seconds off my fastest lap in 2013. The Morgan was easier and nicer to drive than the Lola and felt more reliable but still, I would never have dreamed of such an improvement.”


Your teammate was Christian Klien. Did you learn a lot from such an experienced driver?


“Christian is the most experienced, most successful and most professional driver I have ever driven with. As someone who was still in Formula 1 only a short while ago, he’s impressive to watch. Impressive, yet somewhat disconcerting because he was much better prepared than I was, largely because I have a day job! Still, I was extremely lucky to drive in the Le Mans 24 Hours with a driver of his calibre.


How do you feel at this stage, now that you’re no longer a beginner at Le Mans?


“It has changed the way people see me as a driver. I’m now the guy who has “raced at Le Mans”, whereas before I was just a racing driver. It’s flattering and it shows how well-known the race is. I have never felt such fervour, had so much pressure or received so much media attention as during Le Mans week. It’s unique.


What are your plans and dreams for this coming season?


“I’m currently working on my schedule. There are several alternatives, in the FIA World Endurance Championship and in the European Le Mans Series. I’ll choose whichever route will take me back to Le Mans in 2015 because once you’ve had a taste of Le Mans, you crave it.”

Translated by Emma Paulay, Expressions
 

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