Morgan and ORECA chassis during the Asian Le Mans Series last year? How has it worked out for you as ORECA are now vehicle suppliers and Technical Partners with KCMG this season?
I had a very large say in the decision, being in the position of having driven both cars. I’ve also driven with the NISMO-tuned NISSAN engine, the Judd engine and with an ORECA ECU. I did the race with Craft in the ORECA machine and tested for OAK Racing the day after, so I got a complete back-to-back experience.
I found out the benefits of the ORECA chassis in comparison with the OAK chassis, and also I quite enjoyed the ORECA more, which came to the decision of choosing it. In terms of my knowledge of being in Super Formula, it’s made my switching to prototypes rather easy because there is more downforce in Super Formula, not due to the type of vehicle, but it is a lot faster.
It also makes driving a prototype a lot easier, as things are going slower than in a single-seater. Super Formula is probably even quicker that Formula One when it comes to cornering speed at the moment.
I think the tie-up with ORECA is fantastic and we are working well together. The results we produced at Paul Ricard and here at Silverstone is clearly showing that we made a good choice.
How is the learning aspect when it comes to overtaking the GTE cars and then having to keep your eyes peeled for the LMP1 cars that are in your mirrors in their own battle?
It’s quite daunting to be honest with you, as there is so much to think about. You’ve got to deal with electronics on the car, traffic to think about when it comes to overtaking or being overtaken, but the nice thing is that there is a lot more time to think in this car, due to the speed comparison with Super Formula.
This is why I think both myself and all the other drivers that race in Super Formula have taken to it so well. That car is just a brute and this LMP2 car is just so much easier to drive.
The Prologue at Paul Ricard gave you all the chance to get to know the ORECA package. You’ve got a lot of tracks to learn, especially the challenge of Le Mans. What is the most daunting aspect from your view as to Le Mans, as KCMG have unfinished business at Le Mans, having been classified 18th, but had the fuel pump problem that finished their race?
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