Q&A with Marc Gené before Petit Le Mans

Le Mans 24 Hours winner in 2009, the Spanish driver will team with Nicolas Lapierre and Nicolas Minassian at Petit Le Mans. This will be his first time with Team ORECA-Matmut…

Marc, what do you know about Team ORECA-Matmut ?

« I’ve only heard good things about ORECA. I was not expecting to drive for this team, but when Peugeot called me, it was a nice surprise. My brother, Jordi, knows ORECA through his associations with Seat. He has told me about the team. I know they are very professional. I visited their installations some years ago and I was very impressed. Quite simply, it’s one of the best private teams ! »

You will be driving the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP with which you won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It must be a special feeling…

« It will be very special. During winter, I tested the car again during a testing session and I told myself that it would probably be the last time. I have a lot of good memories of this car. I lived the best moment of my career with it. I’m very happy therefore to drive this car one more time, in a race. This was also a nice surprise, especially since Petit Le Mans was not initially on my schedule. »

Speaking of Petit Le Mans, what do you think of the track ?

« I like it, even if it is one of the hardest, if not the hardest tracks on which I’ve raced. The layout is complicated to learn. Last year, during my second race there, I was still learning ! But I enjoyed it. The last corner is very impressive and reminds me of a rollercoaster. There are several corners that remind me of rollercoasters. »

Do you like the atmosphere at American events?

«Yes, and it’s most notable at longer races like Petit Le Mans and Sebring. Just from the safety car periods, the race is often won at the last second. I like the American philosophy of competition. Petit Le Mans, like Sebring, is not Le Mans, but they are what’s closest ! »

What will be the goal?

« Win ! To be honest, it will be harder to win at Petit Le Mans than it was at Sebring. When I take to the track, my objective is to win. I finished second at Petit Le Mans last year so I’m hoping to reach the top step this time. But we’ll have to count on a little something. We have
to be ready if the opportunity presents itself. »

You know one of your teammates, Nicolas Minassian, very well. But Nicolas Lapierre much less...

« Yes that’s true. I’m very happy to be with Nicolas Minassian again, with whom I started at Peugeot Sport. We really collaborate well together. I get along well with my usual teammates but with Nico, it’s something special. Concerning Nicolas Lapierre, he’s a quick and experienced driver. I’m sure that together, everything will go well! »