You debuted in endurance racing recently. What was your path to the discipline?

"I am 22 years old and was born in Istanbul, Turkey. I've been only been in motorsports for two years. I started in 2015 with the British GT (with a McLaren 650S GT3, Ed.) and the GT Open (with an Aston Martin Vantage, Ed.) primarily. Then I moved into the GT3 Le Mans Cup in 2016 and finished second in the Drivers championship, with two wins under my belt."

Now you are in LMGTE in the European Le Mans Cup with an Aston Martin Vantage. What are the differences with the GT3 version you drove last year?

"The GTE version is much faster in the corners but about the same in terms of top speed in the straights. It's more exciting to drive because you push it to the limit a lot. I admit I prefer this version (laughs, Ed.)."

What is your goal for the season, something specific or simply continue learning and making progress?

"I am still learning and making progress especially with as mentor a driver like Nicki Thiim (official Aston Martin Racing driver, Ed.). The team is really great and I think the final objective of the season could be the title. We certainly started off on the right foot by winning the 4 Hours of Silverstone."

The big race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is coming up. What does it represent to you never having participated before?

"Le Mans, it's like a dream for me. I can't wait to be there. I feel privileged to be able to do it, that's for sure. I hope we will do well and end up with a good result."

How do you feel as a debuting driver as the race nears? Do you have any special way of preparing? 

"I am not really doing anything particular for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, I just have a program that I follow. I don't feel stressed, I'm more excited by the prospect of finally being at the circuit. I really can't wait, it's the most important race of the season for me."

What do people think of motorsports in Turkey? 

"People are interested but don't really spend time watching individual sports like tennis or motorsports on television. They prefer group sports like basketball or football. People from my country are starting to pay attention to me, on social media among other ways, that makes me happy. I hope Formula 1 will return to Turkey, to Istanbul, even as early as next year. I think that will revive some interest in motorsports. I also hope my participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans will shed a little light on this discipline."

Photo (Copyight - Laurent Cartalade/VSA): TF Sport's Aston Martin Vantage driver line-up after their pole position at Silverstone, including Solih Yoluc (center). Now the three men are focusing on the Monza round this weekend.