Despite mufflers, Valkyrie performance remains unchanged

What are your impressions after the qualifying rounds?

It wasn’t great on your side, I think. We had two directions for the car, two philosophies. And clearly, I think ours didn’t really work. During the night session, it was much better. It needs a bit more handling, better traction, and I think ultimately it’s an easier car to drive. So there were good steps, good learning throughout the week. It’s good to have some ideas of different settings and converge them before the race.

Do you see progress with the car since the beginning of the season?

Oh yes, enormously. I mean that now, the team is very strong operationally, we understand the car much better. There are still many things we can improve. There are obviously many things we are trying, especially on the electronics side, but also in the mechanical settings. The cars are performing well in every session now and progressing through the pack, which is very good. We must remember that we have only done three races. We’re not even halfway through the first year and we are qualifying ahead of cars that have had two or three seasons. So it’s off to a pretty good start. I think if we bring everyone back to the first year, we will be very competitive.

Were you surprised by the pace of the cars yesterday?

It always ramps up during qualifying. But I mean, I think when you look at our straight-line deficit and that kind of stuff, compared to the real top speeds like those of the Ferraris and others, I think actually if we were better in that area, we would be really, really good because obviously straight-line speed at Le Mans is a big part of the lap time. But the pace is improving. And it’s good that we’re now fighting with other cars.

What are the strengths of the car at Le Mans?

I think we have a car that we can drive for 24 hours. It’s a car that gives confidence in all braking zones. And we have a fairly stable rear at high speed, which also inspires confidence. And we continually improve the car in the corners. I think the difference between Imola and now is huge. And you know, you have to use the curbs a lot at Le Mans, especially in the last chicanes, at the Dunlop, at Arnage, and at Tertre Rouge. So yes, I would say the car’s strength lies in the fact that it’s natural to drive.

Why is the car quieter than in Qatar?

You need to ask the WEC. They made it less noisy.

Does this affect performance?

No, it’s only the sound that is affected.

Do you regret that it makes less noise?

I think that everyone loves the noise it makes. It’s awesome. I think the sound it produces reminds everyone why they love motorsport.

Its sound may evoke the Matra engine from the 60s and 70s.

Yes, it brings back a lot of memories for everyone who loves our sport.

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