Job van Uitert proved to be one of the standout drivers of last year’s ELMS campaign, winning the LMP3 title in his debut sportscar season with RLR Msport, winning the series’ Rookie of the Year award in the process.
This year, it’s all change, the 20-year-old Dutchman moving up into the highly competitive LMP2 ranks with 2018 class champion G-Drive Racing. It’s going to be a challenge, but he and the team around him believe that he’s up to the task of challenging for a second title in a row alongside highly experienced Russian Roman Rusinov and Jean-Eric Vergne (who will miss this weekend’s race due to a Formula E clash).
Ahead of the weekend’s track action, DSC sat down with van Uitert to look back to his 2018 campaign and preview what is sure to be the most important season yet of his young career:
Has it sunk in yet that you’re about to embark on an LMP2 campaign with reigning ELMS champion G-Drive Racing?
“For the most part, yes, but that is mostly because it has been a few months since my first audition test with the team right after the final ELMS round at Portimao and my sights are now firmly on this upcoming season. But you are right, whenever I have time to really think about what has happened in the last year or so, I do have to pinch myself!”
You came into the LMP3 class with RLR Msport as a complete unknown to the sportscar world but that soon changed. Did you know before last season that you would be a contender for the title?
“In those situations, you can only hope because there are so many variables that determine if you can fight for a championship or not. But I think I knew after winter testing at Portimao that Nick Reynolds and the team had engineered a car capable of winning. Which is what we did at Paul Ricard, straight out of the box.”
You raced with Rob Garofall and John Farano and besides being fast you seemed to enjoy and take to the dynamics of endurance racing easily?
“Without a doubt. I learned so much from Rob who has a wealth of experience and he taught me to always see things in perspective and I loved working with John. He was in part responsible for making it possible for me to race with RLR Msport and he drove so well and worked incredibly hard to make sure we could win the title.
“That season was a joy and I am proud to have been part of it.”
Now you’ve moved to G-Drive Racing, a completely new team with more pressure and perhaps a different atmosphere?
“Yes and no. Of course, there is pressure. I am racing with a team that has won the ELMS title multiple times and will be aiming for a victory at Le Mans. But if you want to have a successful career in sportscars it has to mean that you race with teams that expect to be fighting for victories.
“In terms of atmosphere, it is not that different. From the first moment I started working with Roman (Rusinov) and lead engineer David Leach as well as Xavier Combet at TDS Racing, I felt at home. Which is important.”
You adapted quickly to the Ligier LMP3. How have you found moving up to an ORECA 07 (re-badged as an Aurus 01 for this season)?
“I love the car! It is bloody quick and ultra-responsive and like with the team I felt immediately at home behind the steering wheel. Every time I jump into the car I feel more comfortable and I’m able to do meaningful set-up work. I gel well with it.”
It is early days but do you feel confident about the upcoming season?
“I am with G-Drive Racing, alongside two fantastic drivers who have won multiple titles. I don’t know what I’d have to do to be in a better situation for 2019 so I am confident. That said, success depends on so many factors, in and outside of your control.
“Have you seen the ELMS entry list? I think the list of title-favourites runs in the double digits, so we have to perform at our peak every time to be able to fight for victories in the ELMS as well as at Le Mans but yes, I am confident we can do the job.”
You are 20 years old, and already in one of the hottest seats in endurance racing. Do you have a sense where your career should be heading in the future?
“Of course I do, I want to become a permanent fixture at the front in championships like the ELMS, the FIA WEC and of course in IMSA. But I am not thinking about it too much and let others worry about that more. I have to do only one thing and that is focused on doing the best job I can for G-Drive Racing every time I get into the car and hopefully, we are successful. That is where my head is at.”
Featured image and sunset image courtesy of G-Drive Racing
