The 22 year old former test driver for Red Bull F1 (2008, 2009) and third driver for Toro Rosso (2009, 2010) is set to make his debut in endurance this week. Recruited at the last minute to complete the crew of the Oreca-Nissan LM P2 #48 (Murphy Prototypes) for the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps WEC. New Zealander is already thinking about extending his contract until 16th and 17th June for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

After a few laps in an Oreca prototype Oreca in March, this weekend you will start your first endurance race. Is that a worry?
Brandon Hartley: "It's my first time it's true, But the LM P2 has four wheels and a steering wheel, so I'm not completely out of place. I am also lucky to have two very experienced team-mates (Warren Hughes and Jody Firth) to guide me. I don't think sharing the car or compromising on settings will be a problem for me." 

For you, what is the biggest challenge on Thursday, the first day of testing of the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps WEC?
"For me, the great unknown of the weekend, it is traffic. I'm not used to this difference in speed between Grand Touring cars and prototypes. Today, it will definitely take me a while to feel comfortable within a grid of more than forty cars."

Will you race the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
"To be honest, I was focussed on my career in single seaters until June 2011. Since then I followed the race on TV, I have a very strong desire to compete. It is exceptional! I very much hope to be in the Lola in six weeks time, but nothing is confirmed yet. I want to show what I can do this weekend!"

 

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Julien Hergault

Photo: FRANCORCHAMPS (LIEGE, BELGIUM), SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS CIRCUIT, 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Wednesday, 3rd May, 2012. Brendon Hartley.