For an American driver doing his first 24 Hours of Le Mans and with Ford, also American, that's a pretty good way to start out isn't it?

Yes it's very special and very exciting for me to be a part of this adventure. It's a historic moment, very important in the marque's history. I am honoured to represent Ford, and to be one of two American drivers at the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (Joey Hand will drive the No. 68 Ford GT, editor's note).

What does Le Mans mean to you?

To me the 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the biggest races in the world, if not the biggest. As a driver, it is of course a race one dreams of participating in. To have the opportunity to do it with an American manufacturer, in celebration of the 1966 win, that's very special! When you're a driver, you wan to win everything. The Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Indianapolis 500, rally races, and naturally the 24 Hours of Le Mans! I've watched races since I was a kid, and especially this one.

Your career to-date is purely American, and "virgin" so to speak in Europe.

Yes, that's true. I've already driven for Team PTG (the Prototype Technology Group created by Tom Milner, editor's note), who worked with Multimatic (now in charge of the preparation of the Ford GTs, editor's note) and I have driven with Ford for year in the U.S. It's a bit as if my journey has followed several logical steps to bring me to being in the team now. I intend to show I'm an American! I have driven in NASCAR, which is very different from European circuits and I'm aware of that, but I've always wanted to compete here. I am very happy to get to know Europe with the rounds at Silverstone then Spa Francorchamps, before the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

There is an American way of doing endurance, or grasping this universe isn't there?

As Americans, we have certain expectations when it comes to motorsports (races are often known for their spectacular elements, editor's note). But most American amateurs enjoy European cars. Many things that come from here are great, like for example the GT3 class. We love European races, the way of doing them, all-while remaining supporters of Corvette and now Ford GTs. I like this 'rivalry' and also the blend of cultures.

Completing the #66 Ford GT line-up is @BillyJRacing. The only American in the #FordWEC driving squads… pic.twitter.com/3sKyh2aFBL

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) 25 march 2016

You have already participated in long races, like the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Has your preparation for Le Mans been similar?

For the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one must be in shape. The prep is a little different from races in which I have been able to participate since at the 24 Hours of Le Mans we'll only be three drivers (unlike for example the Rolex 24 at Daytona, editor's note), and the race philosophy is not the same. The dynamic of the races is different, at Daytona there are many neutralizations for example, which allows for down-time. It think that is the biggest change in terms of what I'm used to, the pace of the race. For the rest, whether it be physical prep or simulator hours to learn the circuit, that's pretty much the same.

Are you impatient for June?

I am very curious, I am trying to learn as much as possible behorehand in preparation. One must prepare oneself, that's a must to avoid surprises. I am trying to learn from my teammates who have already participated.

Geoffroy Barre

Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO

Photo: Billy Johnson will compete in his very first 24 Hours of Le Mans with the new Ford GT, four of which will be entered in the race June 18-19, 2016.