It’s been a busy week for Rebellion Racing, who announced formally its full-season two-car WEC attack and a partnership that will see Dunlop return to LMP1 racing to supply them tyres. So, DSC spoke to one of its drivers – Mathias Beche – to get an impression of the mood within the programme going into 2016, as well as a personal look back at the season just past:
So Mathias, what does an LMP1 driver like yourself do during the winter?
“The scope of activities is actually quite large. It involves administrative tasks, public relations, meetings with sponsors, discussions with my team regarding strategic and technical options for 2016. Of course, I also need to maintain my physical condition, so I ride my bike, do Nordic skiing, hike, and run. Overall, in a week that represents about 10 to 15 hours of sport.”
It seemed to involve some driving as well. Didn’t we just see you at the 24 Hours of Dubai?
“Yes, I drove a 2L Renault Clio Cup 3. It was good fun, no pressure. I didn’t know much about the event itself. Driving that car really had nothing to do with what I’m used to driving in the WEC. It was a good weekend during which I was able to challenge myself a little. I know some drivers hate it, but I love evolving in a different driving environment. It’s always a good learning experience.”
You had a complex season with Rebellion this year. Looking back on it now, how do you feel about it?
“We took the decision of choosing the AER engine quite late and that had consequences throughout the year. Lodging a turbo engine in our chassis triggered several constraints, some of which were quite hard to apprehend. But looking back, we only had a few glitches; never any major problems. What happened was in fact the result of a normal process.
“Was it frustrating? Yes, by all means, but that’s also part of the job. It was a year of apprenticeship for the entire team. Let’s not forget, we still earned the non-hybrid LMP1 title in the end, so it was not all bad. I was actually encouraged by our progress towards the end of the season.”
You also tested Toyota’s LMP1 on two occasions. Can you tell us about your relationship with Toyota?
“These tests were really the high point of my season. Don’t forget that I don’t have an F1 or GP2 pedigree. I built my entire reputation on endurance racing. So you can imagine what a pleasure it was for me to do these tests and demonstrate that I had consistency and speed. I will be racing this season with Rebellion, as you know, but I’m still in touch with Toyota.”
You just extended you partnership with Rebellion for an additional season. What motivated your decision?
“On the one hand, it should be acknowledged that competing in the LMP1 Non Hybrid category is particular, with just a few teams. LMP2 teams and drivers might even have more exposure than us. On the other, Rebellion is a top team with very high quality drivers and staff. I also appreciate being involved in the technical development of LMP1 cars. You always learn something! That’s why I decided to stay.”
A new set of regulations was released during the winter. Do you think your team can catch up with the hybrid prototypes?
“The car should be more reliable this season. Also, our partnership with Dunlop is very interesting and might give us a slot under some conditions, but let’s not fool ourselves: overall, it won’t be a gain of 5 or 6 seconds per lap. Hybrid prototypes will be significantly faster than us.
“I do hope LMP1 remains accessible to private teams in the future. There are several LMP2 teams that are hungry for this category. I hope regulations feed this hunger in the near future.”
Speaking of competition, do you have any idea about whom your team will be competiting against this season in the WEC?
“We expect to see Team ByKolles. I was also told about teams like Strakka, Onroak and SMP investigating the opportunity of a season in the LMP1 Non-Hybrid category. Honestly, I don’t know. We’ll have to wait a few more days.”
Besides the WEC, do you have other plans for 2016?
“Although things are still being negotiated at this point in time, I’m looking at a full season with a competitive team in the LMP2 category of the ELMS. That would be a great challenge. The team and I are also keeping an eye on the US racing scene.
“We could have a one-off race at the end of the year.”
Mat Fernandez (@matlemans)
