Mat Fernandez kept an eye on the team interviews on the public stage at Scrutieering in the Place de La Republique this afternoon and dug up a number of very interesting news snippets:
Toyota Planning for FIA WEC in 2017 and 2018
Pascal Vasselon: “There is no planned end to the Toyota programme. We will be here until we win Le Mans. We have actually started working on the 2017 and the 2018 cars.”
Hirakawa: Has Tested For Toyota LMP1
Thiriet by TDS driver Ryo Hirakawa: “I recently did some tests on the TS050 (as a test driver). I will do more tests on that car in the future.”
Pole Record At Risk If Weather Stays Dry
Neel Jani: “We can improve the 3:15’ pole lap time but a lot depends upon the weather. We should have a small reliability advantage versus competition, we know our car well”
Larbre Competition: Nicky Catsburg available as Reserve Driver for Larbre and factory team. Also set to join team for FIA WEC
Jack Laconte: “I had an eye on Nicky (Catsburg). He wanted to drive at Le Mans.
“As Corvette had no reserve driver either, it was the right opportunity to test him. He is available as reserve driver for us and Corvette now.
“He (Catsburg) will be driving for Larbre in the WEC. After Le Mans, our objective is to prepare for 2017 with a move into GTE Pro. We are aiming for one car in that category and a second one in GTE Am ideally.”
Murphy Prototypes, Considering 2017 LMP2 Chassis Options
Greg Murphy: I will be back in Le Mans next year if I get an invitation from the ACO.
“We will buy a new LMP2 car soon. I have to say that I am quite popular with the P2 Chassis manufacturers right now (laugh). So many people invite me for coffees and stuff.
“Oreca has been giving us great support so they are the favourites. Jacques [Nicolet] has given us great support also. Dallara is also under consideration.
“My LMP2 choice will not be an easy one.”
TDS Racing: Looking at Return to GT Racing and Rebellion Link
Team Manager Xavier Combet: “Rebellion wants to diversify itself by having a presence in LMP2, hence why they got closer to Thiriet in the ELMS. We have not forgotten GT racing. We will be back in that category in the future.”
Pegasus Looking at Ligier for 2017
Julien Schell: “For 2017, we are considering continuation in the LMP2 category with the same chassis manufacturer (i.e. Ligier) “
SRT41, Garage 56
Christophe Tinseau: “Our car is heavier than a conventional LMP2 by approximately 90kg. We had to make compromises to our comfort level in the car so that Fred drives properly”
