The adventure continues for Olivier Panis

The experienced and motivated Olivier Panis joins Nicolas Lapierre and Loïc Duval at Sebring, Spa, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Team ORECA-Matmut has finalised its driving squad for the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP. For the first three rounds of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, Olivier Panis will join Nicolas Lapierre and Loïc Duval. The team from Signes decided to renew their partnership with the same three men who proved themselves during the last 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s a trio that mixes speed, enthusiasm and experience.

“For the third driver we knew we had several options, each with different profiles,” admits Hugues de Chaunac. “We studied each candidate seriously, but Olivier showed so much drive that we agreed to do a test session. It was held last week at the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit and it went perfectly.”

The Team ORECA-Matmut knows Olivier Panis very well, having been with the team since 2008. Olivier boasts three full seasons highlighted by two Le Mans Series victories and a fifth place at the 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours. Hugues de Chaunac chose the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix for good reason.

“I must say that I was surprised by his motivation, which goes above and beyond what you would expect. It’s an important factor. He performed at the expected level, which is higher this year. Olivier is also a natural leader. Just from his charisma, he is more than just a driver. He was up to speed immediately and he has been an important element in the overall cohesion of the team for several years. He also knows the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP.”

Along with the rest of the Team ORECA-Matmut, Olivier Panis headed to the track at the end of February for three days of testing at the Castellet. At the end of the tests, Olivier was very pleased: “I was happy to see the team again – there’s still that nice atmosphere. I hadn’t driven a prototype since Budapest last August and it was important for me to know where I stand, both in terms of driving and motivation. I’m satisfied with the times I put in and I really enjoyed myself. I’m not ready to retire (laughs)!”

The stage is now set for the 12 Hours of Sebring, the first race of the season for the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP driven by Nicolas Lapierre, Loïc Duval and Olivier Panis who concludes: “I discovered the American tracks in 2009 and I’m excited to be returning to these awesome circuits and the famous ambience!”