Recent winner of the 4 Hours of Silverstone - along with Pierre Thiriet and Ludovic Badey - Tristan Gommendy recalls the beginning of the season, his adjustment to the Morgan, the arrival of the Ligier JS P2 and his performance goals.

What has been your experience during the beginning of the championship? "This beginning of the season has been perfect for the whole team. It's very positive for the championship which promises to be very competitive. It was not obvious before the start of the season because we didn't know each other and I hadn't learned the car. The finish at Silverstone was accomplished stressfully, but in the end it's a huge pleasure to start the season with a victory."

How has it been taking over the Morgan? "No problems adapting when taking control of the Morgan-Nissan. It is a very efficient car that I would describe as easy to drive. Having experienced the Oreca, it did not take me very long to get my bearings with the Morgan."

How is your collaboration going with the Xavier Combet team? "The atmosphere is particularly good at Thiriet by TDS Racing. The atmosphere in the pit is very healthy and conducive to work. Nothing is going to disrupt the tasks of all those present and that can be felt in the performances on the track. From start to finish of a competition weekend,, the decisions make plenty of sense while requiring a lot from team members. The idea is to push everyone in order to get the best out of them. The team did not make it to this level of competition by accident, that's for sure."

This season, Thiriet by TDS Racing will attempt the challenge of going from the Morgan to the Ligier JS P2. Is it a stretch? "Clearly, it's complicated, and requires a lot of discipline. Going from one car to another in three months necessitates optimizing track time. We need to focus on our work, on our performances before looking at that of our opponents. We are going to take the time to do things professionally and despite a little apprehension in terms of the Ligier, we are assured and enthusiastic by early returns which are very positive."

At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in the LM P2 class the competition will be more heightened and heavier than ever. "The LM P2 class is a clear success. Now is its time, even for a manufacturer with a lot of means it is quite complicated and risky to enter the LM P1. class. So, the P2 class is a perfect compromise for private teams, and less private even, when you see the cars and drivers entered. There is as certain number of drivers with results in very high level single-seater formulas, the Jota Sport is like a Audi Junior Team, the level is truly exceptional."

What are your goals for this 2014 season? "In starting my collaboration with Thiriet by TDS Racing, I only envisioned winning the title and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It's my vision, with the equipment available to the team, its technical competency and humanity, I have to do everything I can to achieve the best results possible - namely, victories."

Pierre-Yves RIOM / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO

PHOTO: TOWCESTER (NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM), SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT, 4 HOURS OF SILVERSTONE, APRIL 2014. Tristan Gommendy gets in the No. 46 Morgan-Nissan of Thiriet by TDS Racing.

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24 HOURS OF LE MANS - June 14 & 15, 2014

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