« I hope to make them proud », Célia Martin motivated for her first 24 Hours of Le Mans
The Frenchwoman will try to make the French flag shine at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for her first participation in the event.
She announces it without pressure. She wants to shine at home. Célia Martin is starting her first season in the endurance championship. After a first year in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, the Tricolore has been promoted to the core team of the Iron Dames. A true leap forward for her.
After three rounds of WEC, she is going to discover the biggest race in the world. But nothing that will put pressure on her or stress her out. “I have tried throughout the season to put the pressure aside, not to think about it too much. I know that if I started thinking about Le Mans more and more, I would be too pressured. So far, so good,” she said.
Making the French proud
Even during her preparation, she refused to let the pressure become too intense. There was no question of disrupting her routine. I take things as they come. It’s to have as few preconceptions as possible. She nevertheless admits that a quick analysis of the starts will be necessary.
In Sarthe, she was able to see up close the popularity of her team with the public. During the autograph session on Tuesday, June 10, the Iron Dames’ stand was one of the most sought-after. This year, the presence of Célia Martin in the lineup adds a bit more passion among the French ranks. « I feel like there are quite a few French people who are proud to have a Frenchwoman in the car. I hope to make them even prouder. »
A Love Story with the Nürburgring
Célia Martin, despite limited experience in the world endurance championship, is accustomed to long races. She has participated multiple times in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. An advantage she could use in traffic management. But not really for the tires. We know there isn’t much degradation. Last year, we were able to triple or even quadruple stints.
The Nürburgring, another legendary circuit where she has been able to drive. Lap after lap. Between 3,000 and 5,000 according to her estimates. “I’m far from Sabine Schmitz, who remains the queen,” she laughs. This winding track in the middle of the Eifel mountain range has been her haven of peace for many years. “I can always walk to the circuit in five minutes. It’s a completely different track. The Eifel massif is somewhat mountainous, it’s green. There is a real contrast with the experience of driving at 200 km/h every day. I love recharging there.”
