Season 2 in LM P2 Are you better prepared this time round?

A year’s experience makes a big difference. We learned a lot last season and I think we have a better understanding of what endurance racing involves. We still have a lot to learn, but we’re on top of things. The team hasn’t changed except that a few mechanics and engineers who worked with us in Formula One joined us when Manor Racing shut down. We’re glad to have them with us. There’s a good atmosphere in the team, good spirit.

What do you learn last year that you hadn’t expected?

The intensity of the races took us by surprise. Even Le Mans is a sprint. The winner is the car that can go fastest for longest. We thought there was more room for strategy, on fuel management for example, but no, it’s flat out from start to finish. The LM P2 competition will be particularly tough this season with several good teams, good drivers and good engineers. In Le Mans, there’ll be 25 LM P2s on the grid: that’s five more cars than a Formula One Grand Prix. It’s going to be really intense.

John Booth still shares his time between the WEC and Formula One, with Toro Rosso. Is that going to hold you back?

No! John has been in motorsports for about a million years and is capable of making loads of decisions. He takes it in his stride. He’s quick to adapt. He went straight to Monza from Melbourne. He’s got a touch of jet lag but he’s managing. This year, we’ve changed the team’s engineering set-up and we’re delighted with the result.

What do you think of the new LM P2s?

They’re so much faster! Teams and drivers wanted a bigger challenge and they’ve got it. The class is now really competitive with cars that are more difficult to handle, faster. The top speeds on the straights bear no comparison to last year. The cars are good-looking, fast and have a good growl - just what racing cars should be.

How did you go about recruiting Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne?

We’re always talking to all sorts of drivers who have the ability to compete at this level. We knew Jean-Eric as he was one of our Formula One opponents. We laughed because I still remembered that in 2010 he hit Timo Glock who drove for us at the time. We knew he was fast and John heard good things about him at Toro Rosso, so that convinced us. He has a good reputation in Faenza and that’s an indication of his ability. And it’s good to have a French driver for Le Mans. It will give the team a burst of energy.

Jean-Eric was also a close friend of Jules Bianchi

Yes, they were close. I think that makes driving for us all the more meaningful to him. It’s great to see him in a car with JB17 on the side.

What are you aiming for in 2017?

Pole position, victory and best lap in every race! Seriously though, last year was all about earning respect and I think we did that. We got some pole positions and best laps but no real results. This year, we want results, even though we know it’s going to be difficult. 

Photo: Vision Sport Agency/ACO