You’ve raced the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times. What can you tell us about the experience?

It’s a truly great race. It’s not easy, especially the first time, because there’s lot to learn. When I raced here for the first time, in 2005 with Courage Compétition, it wasn’t all plain sailing because I came straight from single-seater racing and had never driven in an endurance race. I had to learn a lot in a short time, but it was a good experience.

Then there was 2009 with Pescarolo Sport. We made a great team. That year, we had technical issues when we were standing fifth. We finished eighth and there were eight or nine diesels on the starting grid. It was satisfying to finish the race after three starts.
 

Then you left endurance. Out of choice? Or because you weren’t offered a seat?

There were several reasons. After my spell with Henri Pescarolo, I didn’t get a seat straightaway. Driver rating was introduced and many drivers ranked Platinum or Gold like me were left without a car to drive. People like Xavier Pompidou and Jonathan Cochet. Nowadays, teams seek out Silver drivers and that leaves several professionals without a ride. I know teams need to save money, but it isn’t the only thing that counts.

I also had other projects to work on, like the RS Simulation simulator in Monaco which took a year and a half to develop. I also drove for Peugeot in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and the 12 Hours of Bathurst.
 

You work with drivers such as Jazeman Jaefar (Malaysian Formula Renault 3.5 driver). Can you explain what you do?

It started as coaching at first and it gradually turned into management. It includes a career strategy and negotiating with sponsors. I prepare the ground for the driver to achieve his ambitions. Jazeman Jaafar wants to drive in Formula One, so I make sure his whole life, his health, his sporting life, his career and his communication are geared up to reaching his target.
 

When can we expect to see Bruce Jouanny back in endurance?

It’s been five years since I last raced at Le Mans, which means I’m now a Silver driver. Several teams have noted that and I must say I would really like to race in the 24 Hours again. As I haven’t been racing, I’ve been trying other sports such as freefall, kitesurfing and squash. But I miss driving, I miss the competition.

I had two offers for the European Le Mans Series this year, but I was otherwise engaged [with Top Gear, Ed.], so I couldn’t take them up. I should have a bit more time next year and I could well be back at Le Mans in LM P2.
 

Lastly, what do you think of the new LM P3 class?

I think it’s great and the cars are really cool. The second offer I had for ELMS this year was for LM P3, the first was for GT. I hated to have to refuse. I think LM P3 is a great idea and the prototypes are proper little sports cars.

Bruce Jouanny’s results at the Le Mans 24 Hours:
2009: PESCAROLO -JUDD, Pescarolo Sport, with Tinseau and Barbosa (8th)
2007: COURAGE LC75, Saulnier Racing, with Filhol and Nicolet (retired)
2005: COURAGE C 60 H JUDD, Courage Competition, Nakano and Cochet (retired)

David Bristol / ACO — Translated from French by Emma Paulay

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, LE MANS 24 HOURS, SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2009, RACE. 2009 was the last time Jouanny raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours.