« I learned a lot from them », Karen Gaillard marked by her experience at the 24 Hours of Daytona

A true buzz. In the paddock of the Dijon-Prenois circuit, many people have come to observe Karen Gaillard’s Porsche #85. The Swiss driver is competing for the first time in the Porsche Carrera Cup France and achieved her first rookie podium during this race weekend.

The native of the canton of Fribourg was supported by a large delegation of Swiss supporters. They traveled to Côte-d’Or to encourage her.

How is the learning process going in this new category?

It’s going well, step by step. It’s quite a difficult category. A car that is not easy to drive. It requires a lot of finesse. I’m already much better than in Barcelona, I was able to get my first podium.

Does the behavior change compared to the Porsche driven at the 24 Hours of Daytona?

Yes, yes. It’s very different. On the Cup, there is no ABS or traction control. There is almost no aero, it’s very different. It’s especially the braking that is quite different from the GT3 R. It’s easy to lock the wheels, you need to be very precise with the technique and once you understand, you still have to manage to overtake, that’s something else entirely.

Could you go back over this experience at the 24 Hours of Daytona?

It was an incredible experience. The most beautiful I’ve had so far. I learned a lot about endurance, which will definitely help me in the future. It was amazing to race with three highly experienced teammates: Rahel Frey, Sarah Bovy, and Michelle Gatting. They know the car, the circuit, and the 24-hour races. I was able to learn a lot from them.

During our meeting at the Ultimate Cup last year, you mentioned Daytona as a dream, and it has come true. Only Le Mans is left.

Yes, it’s done (laughs). I have already been able to drive on the Le Mans circuit in Road to Le Mans, but the goal is to do the 24 Hours.