We saw that tyres were being used for up to five stints at Le Mans last year. How different will the strategy be for this year’s race, especially with the increase in wheel size and the TS040’s four-wheel drive system?
I’m not sure five stints will be possible. The tyres are narrower this year so they are having to work harder, as the lap times are not any slower. It depends a lot on the weather conditions as well. Four-wheel drive does have an influence on front tyre usage, so that means we need to evaluate the data we got during the test day and get more information in practice and qualifying to make the right choice. At the test day, we were entering into unknown territory to a certain extent with the tyres at Le Mans, so it is a continuous learning experience.
Finally, what are your thoughts on Nissan now announcing its return to LMP1 next year, who say that they are going to win Le Mans?
It’s fantastic for WEC to have another manufacturer in LMP1, and this shows that endurance racing is on the up. It’s a great sign. Even if I was asked to predict the result of Le Mans this year I wouldn’t feel confident to say. Le Mans is a very, very tough and unpredictable race.
It all goes to show that bravery in this new era of efficiency does get the just rewards, but with a major shift into how energy recapturing and usage has been restricted will show just how much the teams have worked behind the scenes to get themselves and their weapons ready for battle.
Reliability has been one of the key aspects that the teams have had to deal with when it comes to making sure that the push for victory is at full-throttle and within the regulations mandated by the FIA and the ACO. The test is yet to come, but Anthony is one driver that will be ready to take on all comers, be there rain or shine, during the day or night.
E-Racing would like to thank Anthony for his time and wish him all the best of luck for the 24 Heures du Mans and thank you to Toyota Racing’s Alistair Moffitt for his assistance with this interview.