Q&A with Nicolas Minassian before Petit Le Mans

Along with Marc Gené, the Marseillais will join Nicolas Lapierre at Petit Le Mans. He therefore rejoins Team ORECA-Matmut, a team he knows very well…

Nicolas, what’s it like to be teaming up again with Team ORECA-Matmut ?

« I’ve always kept in touch with the team, and excellent relationships, whether it be with Hugues de Chaunac, Philippe Leloup (Team Manager), David Floury (Technical Director) or the mechanics. We’ve kept in contact and actually I have the impression that I never left the team, a team that gave me so many nice opportunities. By consequence, I’m thrilled ! »

What’s the goal at Petit Le Mans?

« Team ORECA-Matmut showed this year that it’s still possible to win a race with the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP. In top speed, we’ll surely be missing a little something : the long backstretch is important. That said, it’s a short track, with lots of traffic. If we work hard, and play the strategy in our favor, with this car that’s so well balanced, we might have a last trump card to play ! »

And you know the track well too…

« I have two poles here, one with Peugeot en 2009. I love this track. I like American tracks in general : outside of Le Mans, which is unique, they are the prettiest ! They haven’t changed much from the old days, and they are atypical. And of course, there’s the fans… It’s an atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else. And actually, the message that ORECA had at Sebring, « I Love US Racing » fits me like a glove ! »

What do you think about your teammates?

« I’ve been racing a long time with Marc (Gené). We form a great duo, and I’m looking forward to joining him. Nicolas, I’ve known since he joined ORECA. He’s a good guy, and he’s very fast. He’s got all the necessary qualities to be an endurance driver. At ORECA, you know there’s never any doubt about the drivers ! »

You’re now used to the Peugeot 908 but you are returning to the 908 HDi FAP…

« It’s always great to be behind the wheel of a Peugeot ! The old Lion’s not far behind its sister. The chassis is excellent and the engine is good. I’m looking forward to drive it at such an event.

What role has ORECA played in your career?

« I have a lot of estime for Hugues and the team in general. He’s always helped french drivers, and also looked out for me. Already in 1993, he’d offered me a ride in a BMW in Supertourisme. In 2000, I competed at Le Mans with ORECA and Chrysler, then in 2002 with Dallara. I learned a lot with this team and I’m happy to be coming back. It’s great ! »