Q&A with Oreca’s Nicolas Lapierre

Nicolas, how are you going to tackle this final?

“I can’t wait to be at Silverstone. On the one hand, we won there last year so we’re determined to defend our victory. On the other, the battle with Audi and Aston Martin looks like it’s going to be an exciting one. It’s a major rendezvous and it’ll be important for us to drive a good race. The opposition is tougher so the pace is going to be higher; it’s going to be a quick race and we’ll have to take more risks. The whole team wants to show that it’s as good as it was at Le Mans.”

There’s no question of racing in view of the championship…

“No. We’re gunning for victory. If we manage to win or get close to winning, we’ll have the points we want. We’re going out there aiming for first place. With Audi racing and the title at stake there’ll obviously be more pressure. But the idea isn’t to play a waiting game or to be happy with just any old result.”

Is the last 2010 race a special one?

“Yes, of course. The last race is always important. It conditions the winter break. It’s the last note on the music sheet. Audi and Aston Martin have both entered works cars so that changes the odds. It’s almost like a second round after the Le Mans 24 Hours. We want to take our revenge and help Peugeot to make a great start to the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.“

And what about the circuit?

“Like many drivers, it’s one of my favourites. There’s a new section that not everybody likes. We’ll be racing on it for the first time. There are also more cars than in the last two rounds, but as the track is wider that shouldn’t pose any problems. I’ll be interested to drive on this layout with the 908 HDi FAP. And as I’ve already said, I’ll be out to defend our 2009 pole and victory.”