Alongside David Hallyday and Dominik Kraihamer, Alexandre Prémat will be the leader of the ORECA 03 squad entered by Team ORECA-Matmut. The interview…
Alex, how are you feeling a few days away from the 24 Hours of Le Mans scrutineering?
“I’m pretty relaxed. After the Test Day, I know the Team ORECA-Matmut team and the ORECA 03 better. I can’t wait to be at Le Mans. It’s going to be a great week – the driving, the atmosphere, the moments with teammates, etc…”
What is the goal set out by Hugues de Chaunac?
“(smiles…) Finish the race…on the top step of the podium! We have the necessary team, which has the qualities needed as well as the right drivers and car. The ORECA 03 has already shown its potential. All of these parameters must come together on the day. We have the means to succeed.”
To have the means to meet your ambition, this sounds like pressure…?
“It’s a mix of all the feelings. Obviously there is a little pressure: we all want to do well – to be ready and quick… But it’s a positive pressure. Elsewhere, you mustn’t forget that the individual does not make the difference. A team wins. We win together, we lose together.”
You haven’t always been very luck at Le Mans. Has this changed your approach?
“Truly no. I must admit after 2009, when I had the steering problem, I didn’t want to participate again. But since, I’ve gained a lot of experience and I’ve matured. The aim is not to set a blistering time to be the fastest over a lap. Consistency and reliability make the difference.”
You spent a couple of days at Signes with David and Dominik. Was this important?
“Yes, it was. We took this opportunity to get to know each other better. The same goes with the engineers and mechanics. It was good to see everyone again and to share in things. We did some fitness training and practiced driver changes. This melded us together and that’s always good before Le Mans.”
Did you come away with the ORECA state of mind?
“I felt that spirit yes. At ORECA, people take the time to explain everything. You feel like there’s a true order in the team. Each person has their place and each helps the other. It’s very nice.”