With three top 5s with Henri Pescarolo's prototypes (second in 2005, fifth in 2006, third in 2007), Emmanuel Collard has driven prototypes (Cadillac, Toyota GT-One, Pescarolo, Porsche RS Spyder), GTs (mainly the Porsche 911 on which he is an expert) at Le Mans...but never a Ferrari. A paradox when one recalls in 1998 he drove in the American race Petit Le Mans at the wheel of  a Ferrari 33 SP prototype, along with Wayne Taylor and Eric van de Poele. Finally this year he will compete in the 24 Hours at the wheel of a Ferrari: a 458 Italia entered in LM GTE Am; and with good chance for success in the class, after his second place finish at the WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

What are your impressions behind the wheel of the 458 Italia?
Emmanuel Collard: "I'm pretty happy because the Ferrari 458 Italia is a really good car and I think we're going to have a lot of fun at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is easier to drive than a Porsche and also we will have a new aerodynamic design at Le Mans. I do have one regret though: never to have driven the 333 SP at Le Mans, as it is one of the best cars I have ever driven."

You are following the progress of your friend, gentleman-driver François Perrodo. How did you meet?
"François and I met at the Le Mans Classic, and fate managed things well since we ran out of fuel in the same corner (smile). At the time, François was starting out in competition in vintage races, then he asked me if I could help him with his driving since he wanted to move to modern cars. We get along very well, which is of course very important, and he continues to make progress."

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO

Photo : LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015, TEST DAY. Emmanuel Collard will share driving duties with François Perrodo and Rui Aguas.