24h Le Mans
Here is the second part of our interview with Ford works driver, Olivier Pla. He talks about Ford’s extended commitment to the World Endurance Championship and his other racing programmes.
You must be delighted about Ford’s decision to run its campaign for another four years!
“It’s excellent news. Our win in Le Mans in June was convincing enough to get the “lease” extended! It’s significant for us drivers, for Le Mans and for the ACO, for the World Endurance Championship and for the fans. Everyone is over the moon and, personally, I’m really proud to be part of the whole experience.”
The three cars that finished in front of the #66 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans are not competing in the World Endurance Championship, so you were awarded 50 points. Things look quite promising for the title at the end of the season.
“The great thing is that we came away from Le Mans with the maximum number of points. We are the best car in the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans counts for double points. But Le Mans is in the past now. The second part of the season gets underway after the last European round in Nürburgring and it is highly important for us. We have to defend our position as leader in the drivers’ standings but that won’t be easy. One thing is sure, Stefan Mücke, Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK and Ford are aiming for the title and we’ll do our utmost to make sure it happens.”
You have just raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. You then went over to Watkins Glen for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and then came back for Le Mans Classic. Next weekend, you’ll be competing in the European Le Mans Series with Krohn Racing and, to top it all off, you’ll be at Nürburgring for the World Endurance Championship. That’s one hectic schedule!
“True! [laughter] I’m lucky enough to be involved in three racing programmes at the same time, but the main focus is Ford, that’s the priority. I also race in the United States in a Ligier JS P2 [for Michael Shank Racing], extending my relationship with Onroak Automotive, Jacques Nicolet [owner of Onroak] and Philippe Dumas [team manager]. They’ve always believed in me and given me a chance. I’m delighted to be able to continue with them.”
In a few days’ time, you will be at the Red Bull Ring (Austria) with Krohn Racing for the third round of the European Le Mans Series. How do you see the rest of your season?
“My job is to give all that I can. This year, Tracy Krohn has not driven much. He’s very busy in the United States. We hope to be able to get a podium finish during the last four rounds.”
