« I’m delighted to be back in the paddock », Sophia Flörsch on her return to endurance racing

It’s a great opportunity for you to return to Algarve Pro Racing.

Of course. I raced for three years in endurance, and the last year was already with APR. I think the pace and our level of performance in 2022 were really good. I always appreciated what was happening in the team. The founders of the team have always pushed for the drivers to have opportunities.

I raced in Formula 3 for two years, and I’ve always said I wanted to return to Le Mans. My years spent in endurance racing were the best. It’s a pleasant environment. I’m thrilled to make my return to the paddock.

I conducted some tests with APR and a few laps on Sunday (during the test day for the 24 Hours of Le Mans). The overall pace is really good. We’ll see what happens next.

Compared to 2022, do you find yourself in a familiar environment?

Yes, there are quite a few people who were already here in 2022: engineers, mechanics, even the head chef. It’s like I’m coming home. It’s more than a family. Everyone pushes and gives their best here.

Can you share the behind-the-scenes of your return to APR?

At the end of the adventure in Formula 3, I went to Indy NXT and was supposed to do the full season. But in the end, it didn’t happen. The adventure ended after one race for various reasons. Fortunately, it happened in March. It was relatively early in the year. For me, it was clear, endurance was an opportunity. I had some contacts, and we exchanged a lot.

I did some tests at Paul-Ricard, they were really good and we did the same in Aragon, the sensations were good. The team offered me to be a reserve driver for Le Mans, I was hoping to be able to drive, but if something happens, I am ready.

How did the test day go last Sunday?

Very well. Le Mans is one of the best tracks in the world. I was the first to hit the track for my ten laps, which are the worst conditions to drive in because the asphalt is dirty. But it was crazy… There are so many turns that make Le Mans so special.

I have participated three times and I really hope there will be a fourth edition. Maybe next year.

On Instagram, you showed a simulator training session for Le Mans.

Yes, to complete the ten laps, I had to be as prepared as possible to do my ten laps. I remember how to take the turns, but I needed to reconnect with the feeling of the car.

Do you have any other tests planned in the coming weeks?

I will be in Imola for the ELMS and will do a few laps during the prologue.

What are your ambitions for the next season?

I really want to have a seat in endurance racing: whether it’s in LMP2, Hypercar… I’ll see if opportunities arise and also in which championship, with which car. But for now, I’m very happy at APR. And grateful to Stuart and Sam (Cox, the team founders) for giving me the opportunity to race.

Formula 3 is really just a matter of money.

Are you now 100% focused on endurance?

Yes, really. Today, I’m fully into endurance. I won’t be going back to Formula 3. Maybe in Formula 2, but I need four million to race. I’m quite far from that… I hope things will change in terms of sponsorship. Meanwhile, I’m really happy to have signed with a big partner recently.

You have two podiums in the ELMS, what do they represent to you?

Climbing onto a podium is always a good result. When we finished second at the Castellet, it was incredible because there were two silver drivers in the car, something that had never been done before. It always varies depending on the composition of the crew.

In 2022, we finished fourth at Le Mans. If we hadn’t had our technical problem… We probably would have won. I think everyone in the paddock knows that I’m fast. During the rookie tests, I set the fastest time with the WRT car.

Everyone knows I’m fast. But there’s strong competition. So, you have to elbow your way in, find your place, and see what happens next.

What did you learn from your experience in Formula 3 and your brief stint in Indy NXT?

In Formula 3, everything revolves around money. Honestly, in this world, money is a factor that is everywhere. But I think in endurance, we have more opportunities, we can show our talent, our speed, even more. It’s nothing like Formula 3.

I think that in endurance, one can become a better person, a better driver because there is more time on track. Formula 3 is really just a matter of money. I received support from Alpine, which allowed me to make a big step, it helped me a lot.

Were you close to driving a Hypercar? I know your talent caught Philippe Sinault’s eye.

Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who decides. When I signed with Alpine, the goal was really to get into Formula 1, and many people within Alpine and Renault were working to make it happen.

In Formula 3, we try to pave the way for F1, everyone is aware of that. A lot of things have changed within the company. Many people have left and others have arrived. And the objective was no longer there.

When the Rac(h)er program was launched, the goal was indeed to bring you into Hypercar.

I don’t know, to be honest. When I was in Formula 3, we made a move to get me to Formula 2. Efforts were made in that direction. But unfortunately, it never actually happened.

For the Hypercar project, I think that today, people have different objectives.

Claire Mesnier had a significant impact on your career.

Yes, she has 20 years of experience in motorsports. She is the only woman who has supported me in this field, perhaps one of the only ones, by the way. I am very grateful. She has tried her best to make great things happen.

She launched Rac(h)er. It was her program. Her idea. It wasn’t easy for her, but she did her utmost to help women achieve their goals. Not just with me, not just with young women who kart, but with women in general. I think what she was doing was right and it was the right way to do it.

For a few months now, the documentary about you has been available in France. What were your impressions when you saw it for the first time?

It’s crazy to watch such a long documentary about oneself. I really enjoyed watching it. It shows Le Mans, endurance races, and the good as well as the bad moments of motorsport.

It was funny to see him on Canal+. Many people sent me a message saying “We saw you on French television!” It’s nice to see that many people can watch it around the world. He shares the sensations and emotions in motorsports.

What is your opinion on Jamie Chadwick’s start to the season in the ELMS?

She is off to a great start. As I said earlier, she’s in a great team with great teammates. I think it would be hard to have a better environment. She works very hard.

But I think, both for her and for me, we don’t want to be compared because here, we’re racing against everyone. And we want to win against everyone. I think she’s a great driver just like everyone else here.