24h Le Mans
The Signatech Alpine driver spent much of the WEC season at the wheel of the Alpine A450B Nissan before handing over to Tom Dillmann. We spoke to Vincent Capillaire, driver-instructor at the Circuit des 24 Heures, at the premi
Can you tell us about your season, even though it was cut short?
I started out in LM P2 in 2014. This year I moved up a step, onto the international stage. This season, performance levels cranked up a notch and it was great to be a part of such a tough battle. We got off to a shaky start at Silverstone. Not finishing meant we were unable to determine how the tyres stood up under race conditions. But we made up the lost ground and improved the car. It may not be the most recent, but it does the job. The team worked well together and achieved some great technical results. Racing for Alpine is thrilling. It’s very much a French affair - the crew, the drivers, the car and a red white and blue chassis, all flying the flag for France. It was a great year, even though I didn’t compete in the last rounds. You have to know when to step aside and be ready to make a new start.
As we saw in the film, it was a real disappointment to have to withdraw from the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.
Absolutely! It represents so much work beforehand: weeks, months of preparation for so many people. We, the drivers, carry the combined energy of the mechanics, engineers and sponsors on our shoulders. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the highlight of the season, so it’s really tough not to finish. My co-driver made a small mistake that ended up having huge consequences. It’s a shame because we were aiming for the podium. Watching the film, I feel slightly bitter and it makes me wish next June would come round quicker.
Why didn’t you finish the season with Signatech Alpine?
I missed the last two races. First of all, because I was otherwise engaged, professionally and personally. I signed for six races. That was the deal from the start. And, well, you have to do what it takes to ensure the future.
What do you think of the film you’ve just seen? Does it reflect your Le Mans week?
It’s incredible that they manage to condense the whole 24 Hours of Le Mans into an hour and a half. The whole festive atmosphere is there, because above all, Le Mans is a celebration. For drivers, crew and thousands of fans, it’s the most important event of the year. We all share the pleasure.
David Bristol / ACO — Translated from French by Emma Paulay
Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), 24 HOURS CIRCUIT, LE MANS 24 HOURS, WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE 2015, PRACTICE SESSIONS. Vincent Capillaire is hoping to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the third time on 18–19 June 2016.
