Pierre Gasly dreams of participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans
This weekend, Pierre Gasly will test the third evolution of the Honda engine, which should allow him to have more performance in his Red Bull. But following the 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend, the Rouen native would like to have the opportunity to participate in the mythical race in the future, possibly with Aston Martin.
Pierre Gasly arrives in France with higher ambitions compared to last year. His stint at Red Bull could allow him to easily aim for the Top 10, especially since his race last year ended prematurely on the first lap after a collision: « These things happen, it’s part of motorsport. This year we are thinking about something else and we’ll try to complete more laps than in 2018 » he tells us with a smile before continuing: « The Paul Ricard is a circuit that will suit us more than Montreal, even though it’s also an engine circuit. Objectively, 5th or 6th place is the target. »
Especially since Honda is bringing the latest evolution of its engine here: « It’s a new engine with which we are going to try to push a little more. For the moment, we will not have a big step forward in performance, maybe a bit more in the race. The last evolution was about reliability, and this one clearly aims at performance. »
Gasly also does not want to repeat or relive the same mistakes made during the last two Grand Prix, which could have cost him a possible podium in Monaco, for example:« We missed a chance to step onto the third podium spot in Monaco, with Bottas’s double stop and Max’s penalty. We made a mistake on Saturday and my penalty cost me a big opportunity. From now on, we need to make as few mistakes as possible to try to maximize opportunities. In Canada, the team apologized after the race regarding the strategy, but as we usually say, we’re always smarter in this sport on Monday morning, but it’s part of the game; mistakes are made, sometimes it’s the drivers, other times it’s the strategy or the car… but we accept all of it together. »
The Red Bull driver will certainly want to shine in front of his home crowd and he is approaching his home Grand Prix in a more relaxed manner than last year: « The first year it was a bit hard to manage but this time the team is able to protect me a little more. It’s the first year I have a dedicated grandstand, it’s something special, I have much more support this year, I felt it at the other Grand Prix too. »
The recent 24 Hours of Le Mans have fueled the Frenchman’s desire to one day race in this legendary event. When asked if he would be tempted to drive the upcoming Super Car announced by Aston Martin, his answer is clear: « Yes, as a driver it’s a dream for everyone to participate in the 24h of Le Mans, at the moment I am 100% focused on Formula 1 but if there’s an opportunity, it would be great. »
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— Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) 20 juin 2019
From our special correspondent in Le Castellet
