« We’ll try to fight at the front », Racing Spirit of Léman announces its ambitions at Le Mans

A first at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Racing Spirit of Léman is participating for the first time in the world’s greatest endurance race. Even though the La Roche-sur-Foron team is familiar with the track thanks to support races, they are about to discover a new world.

How do you judge your team’s start to the season over these first three meetings?

I would say that it’s a rather complicated start. In Qatar, at the Prologue, we had an off-track incident at the beginning of the second day, so for building the pilots’ confidence and fine-tuning, it was complicated.

The first meeting did not live up to expectations. In Imola, we saw a small improvement. The breakthrough came at Spa with the second place in qualifying, with the ability to score points, at certain times, to consider a good result in the top five and even a podium. After that, race incidents meant that…

In terms of performance and confidence, we saw a very nice progression at Spa. The progression means that we are still quite happy.

What can be expected from Racing Spirit of Léman at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Trying to fight at the front. I think we know the Aston at Le Mans. It’s a car that performs, it’s a reliable car. After, we know Le Mans with all its uncertainties, but we’re aiming for a very good result.

Does having raced here in support races help you understand the track better?

We raced in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, where the conditions are different. There are no long stints like in the 24 Hours. There’s no night driving. It’s different. I would say that AMR has a lot of experience in this race. Their support is more important than our experience in the Le Mans Cup.

How does it work for exchanges with AMR?

It’s very constructive, there are very good exchanges. We’re getting to know each other, and it’s not easy to start a collaboration in a championship like the WEC. Every race allows for great progression and exchanges. So, nothing but positives.

Has joining the WEC changed things in terms of organization within Racing Spirit of Léman?

It automatically changes things, because it’s a world championship. There is much more logistics, more things to prepare in advance. So, we are used to the ELMS, the Le Mans Cup, and national or European championships.

What helped us a lot was the 2019-2020 experience (where the team technically supported Cool Racing, editor’s note). But I would say that the framework is the same. We haven’t changed since.

The team is also at the heart of the work.

The project was presented recently, but the work began at the end of 2024. We needed to have our own premises in relation to the construction company we work with, in relation to the drivers we have racing. And for us as a team for our needs. We needed to be structured in facilities designed for racing.

In terms of area, is it a significant project?

Yes, we will move from a 750 m2 workshop to an 850 m2 workshop and storage area for equipment. We will have a lower level where we can park 42 cars. We are doubling the office space. It’s a great project.

Can we say that the team will move into another dimension with this expansion?

I would say that it’s not another dimension. It’s the team adapting to where it currently is and the image we have on the circuits. We wanted the premises to be on the same level as what we represent on the circuits. There was a discrepancy that wasn’t suitable.

On the test day Sunday, what were your impressions?

We had two rookies (Eduardo Barrichello and Derek De Boer), so the first point was for them to settle in. We know that Valentin (Hasse-Clot) is performing well here, so there are no problems. He gave us good benchmarks, which allowed us to work well with Eduardo and Derek.

The red flags at the end of the day disrupted our initial plan a bit. But it’s postponed to the free practice sessions. However, it’s been a good first day.

With the other Aston Martin from the Heart of Racing, are there any exchanges?

We’re in the same box, the engineers are in the same space. It’s almost like that. But we remain two different teams. So yes, there is competition, which is normal. But it’s healthy competition, there are exchanges, but they remain two competing cars.

You have two rookie drivers in WEC, Valentin is the only one with experience in this championship. Does he have a guiding role?

Yes, absolutely. He is the reference for the two rookie drivers. He is the one who can provide all the information to his teammates to ensure the fastest possible progress. He has a role of leader and advisor. He does it very well.

He knows the car so well. He competes in three championships with the car: WEC, ELMS, and IMSA. He has a lot of feedback.

He is an official Aston Martin driver, it’s an opportunity for you.

It was imperative for a program like that. And for us, it was imperative that it be Valentin.

Have you already outlined a preliminary plan for the race, even though it’s still quite early in the week?

No, it’s too early. We’ll define it as the practice sessions progress. We’re going to follow the Prologue plan where the rookies will need to drive a lot to get used to the track at night. Valentin will remain in his role as a guide, helping the team and his teammates.

We often see Rubens Barrichello in the garage. Is he providing support to Eduardo or to the team?

He brings a lot to his son. But he stays in his place, as an observer. However, he supports Eduardo enormously.

It was a challenge to bring Eduardo into the WEC, as he had only done Stockcar until now.

Yes, but we were able to judge him on his driving skills in this championship in Brazil. The initial runs showed his ability to adapt to the car and the championship even though he remains a sprinter. He acquires endurance concepts very, very quickly. This is very important for us.

What qualities attracted you?

It’s his professionalism, his willingness to progress confidently both in and out of the car. He does not tolerate failure.

He is only committed to the WEC. Isn’t it a disadvantage for making progress by having only eight races in the season?

Yes, but it’s a big championship. He has the ability to improve despite the limited practice.

Does he have specific training sessions with Aston Martin or at the team’s headquarters?

No, in Brazil. Afterwards, there is a lot of interaction with Valentin and the engineers.

Is the fact that Valentin and Derek have known each other for several seasons an advantage?

Absolutely, it helps. After all, it’s true that the contribution of a young driver like Eduardo was a double challenge: allowing him to develop and achieve the desired results. It was a motivation for Valentin and Derek to do the necessary work to ensure everyone performs.