What are the main differences between the Ferrari F458 and the F488?
"First of all, the engine because with the F488, even though it's still a V8, it's a turbo. That changes a lot of things in terms of driving the car, there is much more torque. Ultimately, the power with the Balance of Performance (BOP, editor's note) in LM GTE makes it about the same. All the drivers have had to get used to it, Ferrari has done great work. We are now satisfied with our engine, even though we're missing a bit of speed at the end of straights. We still don't know if that's because of the BOP or the aerodynamics, since we're in early development stages. We also have aerodynamic downforce. The cockpit is more comfortable and so is the steering wheel. We've had the same start as with the F458, it's well-created, even though it's not 100% new, some aspects coming from the preceding model."

And the least than can be said is the season has started really well with two victories in two races for your driver line-up...
"We are really very happy with the start of this season. Twice Ferrari has clinched the pole and then the win. The team is doing incredible work to find the right set-up each time. We were able to get the best from our car for those two races, I hope that continues. Also, the car is getting better every time."

The big race is coming up, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. You've done it twice. What do you remember of those participations?
"It's a difficult circuit one must learn lap after lap. I understand why very good drivers make the difference on this track. Every time I do a lap, it's different. Every hour, the track changes, so one must adapt to each lap, to each turn. The slightest mistake sends you into the wall or gravel trap. That's also why I love this race but Le Mans is the hardest I've ever done."

What are your goals for this race?
"My goal is to win in the LM GTE Pro class this year. This past winter, I prepared well, I worked hard for this race. I am an official Ferrari driver, the AF Corse team is fantastic and everyone believes in me. The team will prepare as best it can for this 24 Hours of Le Mans. I hope the Ferrari F488's success will continue at Le Mans"

This year, you changed teammates. Before, you were with James Calado who is now in the No. 51. Now you're joining Sam Bird (winner of the 2015 FIA Endurance LM P2 Drivers Trophy). How are you getting along?
"Sam is very open, so it's easy to work with him. He still needs some time to get used to the GT class since he spent a lot of time in single-seaters then in LM P2. I try to help him understand the car, especially in terms of the set-up. As a driver, he is really very good and consistent. We make a good driver line-up, I am happy to work with him. We still need to get to know each other better since we've only done one race together. I loved working with James (Calado, editor's note) and I also love working with Sam."

David Bristol / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO

PHOTO: STAVELOT (LIEGE PROVINCE, BELGIUM), SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS CIRCUIT, FIA WEC, WEC 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, SATURDAY MAY 7 2016, AUTOGRAPH SESSION. Davide Rigon hopes to add Le Mans to his record.