24h Le Mans
After a sucessful karting career in the 90's, the Swiss driver subsequently was voted best female driver in Formula 3 Euroseries, before embarking on endurance racing, including participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2010.
Could you tell us about your favourite driving experience?
I’ve got so many… It’s actually very difficult for me to point one experience as ‘The’ favourite one. I can name quite a few amazing one: Qualifying 8th at Indianapolis back in 2008 for the Indy Lights race, a podium finish at Spa in the Le Mans Series 1000KM race, my whole week at Le Mans in 2010, finishing in the points at my very first Super GT race last year at Okayama…. Many great memories, really. And of course, every race win is an awesome memory, too, like last year at Sepang for the Malaysian Super Series race. But all in all, I think my experience at Le Mans in 2010 was the best one. The engine let us down while we were running 4th in class and on our way to a possible podium finish, but otherwise, the whole week with all those fans and media attention was just unbelievable. The track is just unbelievable too with its unique atmosphere. Having to race at 300 km/h in pitch darkness on this super fast straight line is amazing – the faster it goes, the happier I am... It’s the greatest race in the world and when you get to take part in it, it has to be considered has a favourite experience.
The champions of LMP2, GTE and GTC categories in Asian LMS Series can obtain an entry for 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans, What do you think about this opportunity?
Of course, it’s an awesome opportunity for Asian teams and drivers since they have a guaranteed spot at Le Mans. It’s also good for them as they’re certain to be there: they can better prepare and they can go after partners and sponsors while being sure to be part of the show. This is a major benefit for them, for sure. It’s also a good thing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans as it makes this event even more global with a better Asian presence.
If you had the chance, would you take part in Asian LMS 2013？
Absolutely yes! It would be in line with my experience last year in Super GT as well as with my experience at Le Mans. I would be on familiar ground for sure. Also, I think my presence in the Asian LMS would be mutually beneficial for me and the series. I have a huge fan base in Japan and South East Asia. I became to first woman to win a major auto race last year at Sepang in the MSS and I would really enjoy following this with a win in the Asian LMS, so who knows… I’m now officially working as instructor for the AMG Driving Academy so I would of course like to be on an SLS AMG GT3, which is accepted in Asian LMS. So this is still very much possible for me, through a customer racing team.
Luna Yang
Photo : CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES (LE MANS, SARTHE), 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, FREE PRACTICE AND QUALIFYING, 9th JUNE 2010. In 2010 Cyndie Allemann was part of a 100% female driver crew for the 24 Hours, driving a Ford GT shared with Rahel Frey and Natacha Gachnang.
