« I expect to have fun at the wheel », André Lotterer prepares for his first LMP2 24 Hours of Le Mans

Even at 43 years old, you’re still learning things. For the first time in his career, André Lotterer took the wheel during an official session of the World Endurance Championship in an LMP2 car. Until now accustomed to LMP1 or Hypercars, the German temporarily changed categories.

With IDEC Sport, he is going through a transition year before taking the wheel, for good, of Genesis’s Hypercar in 2026.

This is your first participation in LMP2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, what are your expectations?

It’s a discovery, obviously. I have little experience in this category, I’ve done a day of testing. So, I expect to enjoy driving. I did my first session (test day, Editor’s Note), it went well, there were no problems. I’m finding my bearings.

It’s a very competitive category, the cars are identical. There are some experts in this championship who know these cars very well. I have quite a lot of learning to do. In terms of adaptation, it’s quite instinctive, and I hope to be up to speed quickly. All of this is part of our program for the Hypercar next year. It’s a kind of stepping stone.

In terms of feeling, how is an LMP2 different from a Hypercar or an LMP1?

In terms of feel, it is more agile, lighter. But in terms of driving, it’s more instinctive. A Hypercar is much heavier and more complex with the hybrid interfering and acting on the rear axle. The whole braking phase is difficult. Whereas with an LMP2, it’s quite basic.

With fifteen participations in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, you are the most experienced in the team. Will this help you in understanding this car?

I think that all the experience I’ve gained here, no matter the category, can help in one way or another in doing my job. I give my feedback. After my first session, I pointed out some elements that I consider to be the best of what I’ve experienced during this run.

Afterward, I try to share my experience with my teammates, to inform them about any potential pitfalls the race might have and how to approach the weekend.

Even if this is your first experience in LMP2, do you have the status of a mentor with your teammates?

Yes, naturally. That’s how it goes. I try to be an open book and give them as much information as possible. They can also ask me. It’s great to be able to share that and have this program within Genesis.

Are you already starting to anticipate 2026?

Yes, the team is getting ready for the Hypercar. Whether it’s meetings, simulator sessions, there are plenty of things being set up. It’s great.

To adapt to this LMP2, were there any particular training sessions? Simulator sessions?

No, I had the chance to do a test day at Paul-Ricard and an afternoon. So, it went well. The next step is to build up momentum at Le Mans.

Can we anticipate a significant increase in performance between the test day and the last runs on Thursday?

I don’t know… Today, I did 3:38.4. The guys in front did 36’8 or 9. So, I’m a second and a half behind for now, but I don’t know under what conditions they were driving. It’s an initial reference for building and improving the car.