The European Le Mans Series has long been recognised as important in the development in the careers of teams and drivers wishing to compete at the top of endurance racing, either in the World Endurance Championship or at the 24 Heures du Mans.
Four questions to Paul-Loup Chatin, 2014 ELMS Champion and driver of Signatech Alpine A450b en WEC 2015.
PAUL-LOUP CHATIN CHAMPION ELMS 2014 – SIGNATECH ALPINE WEC2015
1) You have been successful in the ELMS, what is the goal for 2015 in the WEC?
My goal, our goal is to fight for the victory at each race. Of course it will be difficult since the level is really high in the World Endurance Championship this year. We have to be really humble and to work a lot to be able to success. But to be honest, our goal is to win directly but I think a lot of teams have the same desire. I think that the key is to do our races and we will see where we are at the end of the season.
2) How has winning in ELMS prepared you for the challenge of the WEC in 2015?
The ELMS is a really challenging championship and it’s for me the best preparation to be ready to compete in the WEC. This victory gave us (team and drivers) the confidence about our way to work. We know our strengths and weaknesses. Now, We have to work on it to improve our level.
3) The WEC races on some of the best tracks in the world. Of the four circuits not in Europe, which ones have you raced on before and which are you looking forward to the most.
I never drove on those tracks; of course I already work a lot on it with videos, datas and simulator. All those four tracks are different, difficult and interesting but my favourite might be Austin. I think that it is the most complete track and maybe one of the most beautiful “new tracks”.
It’ll be an honour for me to drive for Alpine on those four circuits who are not in Europe and I will do the best I can to promote Alpine all around the world.
4) You have raced at the 24 Heures du Mans but does it make any difference to how you approach the race now that you will be scoring double WEC championship points in 2015?
My approach will be the same as last year. To be in or out the championship, Le Mans is a special race, it is The Race! Our goal is to win. Of course we will be able to adapt our strategy during the race if it’s a necessity for the WEC but I think that both, team and drivers, really want to win Le Mans so we will do our maximum to fight for it. Moreover, we are a French brand, it’s our home race for the team and the brand Alpine, so it’s really important to get a good result.