DSC’s Mat Fernandez met Paul-Loup Chatin in the 24 Hours of Le Mans paddock yesterday. The Frenchman is part of the #48 IDEC Sport Oreca 07 driver line-up which includes Patrick Pilet and Paul Lafargue. He shared some thoughts regarding the coming 24 hours of Le Mans race, his 2021 season results and his near term future after setting the fastest LMP2 time at Sunday’s test Day.
Paul-Loup, how does a driver fill the day at Le Mans on a day when there is no track time planned?
“What’s really important is to ensure that no energy is wasted unnecessarily. I make sure to relax while covering important elements off my to-do list including drivers briefings, driver change practice and simulator sessions.
“The pace of the week will start picking up significantly from tomorrow onwards. In the end, what’s really important for me is to be at peak energy level when the clock reaches 4pm on Saturday.
Two years ago, the test day and the race week meant two full weeks spent by any team in the paddock of Le Mans. Last year, the race week was packed in a four day event. This year’s event spreads over a little more than a week. What’s your preferred format?
“Last year, there was really barely any time for anybody. You really had to rush with everything you did.
“Having already lived through a two-week format event, I believe that this year’s format is ideal. A full week is much better than what we had before the COVID outbreak. It most definitely makes life easier for everyone in our teams.”
You have competed in IMSA, in the WEC and in the ELMS this season. Are you satisfied with the results you got so far?
“Of course, I was extremely happy with winning the LMP2 class at Daytona this winter (with the #18 Era Motosport Oreca 07 also driven by Ryan Dalziel, Dwight Merriman and Kyle Tilley). Regarding our races in the ELMS, one has to admit that although we were competitive, we often lacked luck. Yet, we kept on learning and I am confident that this work will soon start paying off for us.
You topped the LMP2 test day timesheets last Sunday. Was that something you expected? Are you satisfied?
“We just clocked a time which we believed we could achieve. At the end of the day, our car is good and performing well yet let’s not get ahead of ourselves… it’s only a test day.”
Test day timesheets indicate that the top 22 prototypes fastest lap times were within 5 seconds of one another. This is unheard of. How do you expect this to impact the race?
“It tells you something about how competitive the LMP2 category had become. I remember the days when there were no more than 5 teams capable of winning the LMP2 class at Le Mans. These days are over…
“The future LMP2 category winners will really have to be fast, yet also be the best in managing the traffic and in adapting to a changing race environment. It’s not going to be an easy race, for sure.”
What are your career prospects beyond the 24 hours of Le Mans?
“There are many things on my radar screen. First, I’ll be finishing the ELMS season with IDEC. Then, I would love to drive again in IMSA.
“The format of the races are different to the ones we have here (in Europe). It allows most drivers to get a shot at the class victory… I really like that.
“I would also love to give it a shot at the Asian Le Mans Series if ever IDEC wants to get some training under our belt before the start of our 2022 season.
“Of course, looking at 2022 and beyond, I am very interested in any opportunities that could allow me to compete in the LMH/LMDH category. Drivers will need to catch these driving opportunities when they arise and I intend to be one of them!”
