Far from Henri Pescarolo's incredible total of 33 participations at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Soheil Ayari will return this year in the drivers club of those who crossed the symbolic threshold of ten events at La Sarthe. In 2010, only 22 drivers could boast of this great performance. But the magic of the most prestigious motor racing, still attracts.

You started in 1997, driving a Viper GTS-R and ended up in the ORECA 01 AIM in 2010, via the Pescarolo in 2004, what makes you come back every year to Le Mans? 

"Le Mans is,, certainly the most beautiful of all races and by far the reference in endurance: the starting line, the Mulsanne straight, everything that happens during the week of 24 hours adds to loyalty and passion and that is why I come back every year. “

What is your best memory of this event?
“There are so many ... but I think 2004 where we finished 4th overall in the Pescarolo, but also 2009 and 2010 with Team ORECA. These years in particular, I enjoyed it. When the race goes without any trouble and that everything is perfect, so it's just happiness. “

Do you remember your first lap, in pre-qualifying in 1996, driving the WR of Graff Racing?
“Yes of course. This was still the era where we were obliged to qualify the car. Unfortunately, this year, we lacked speed with the WR and we could not attend the event in June. “

Have you completed a memorable flat-out lap on the circuit?
“Several, but most striking was performed without traffic during a qualifying session on board a Saleen in 2007. “

Among the cars that you were assigned here at Le Mans, which did you most enjoy?
“The ORECA AIM-01 with which I drove in 2010 is the best in all cars. However the difference between diesel and petrol cars we could not fight for first place overall. But it remains a superb car. It is the most successful of all the cars I've driven at Le Mans. “

This year you celebrate your 10th Le Mans participation and your seventh in the Team ORECA. What is the reason for staying so long with this team?
“There is a real confidence and a deep respect within the team. A team spirit that links me with all its members makes me run faster. They trust me and my only way of thanking them is to push myself hard. “

Hugues de Chaunac has entered a car in both the LM P1 and LM P2 categories. You drive 03-ORECA Nissan, would you have preferred to drive the 908 HDi-FAP LMP1
“I asked Hugh to run with the 908 but the team was already formed. The choice of the LM P2 suits me perfectly because I'm sure it will be at the forefront in this category. We have everything it takes to succeed a great race. "

Thierry Arman

Photo: LE MANS, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, June 9, 2010. For Soheil Ayari, the AIM-Oreca in which he ran at Le Mans in 2010 remains as the best cars available to him at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.