Why take part in Road to Le Mans among so many cars?

Team manager Pascal Rauturier: "We've entered three cars for the year and one in Road to Le Mans, so four cars for this race. We put the Graff Racing team together to guide our drivers toward an LMP2 program and Le Mans. The drivers dream of doing the 24 Hours of Le Mans and that's why we have so many cars. I can even say we've rebuffed some, we couldn't accommodate everyone since our efforts in LMP2 are already considerable."

With four cars, what is your goal for Road to Le Mans? 

"We have good drivers, namely James Winslow who will do Road to Le Mans then the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He is joined by Greg Taylor with whom we did the 12 Hours of Abu Dhabi. So I think we have a solid driver line-up. With the others, mostly gentlemen-drivers, they will do their best and we will see."

Is the goal is to facilitate some sort of network…

"The goal of Graff Racing is to train drivers. It's complicated in single-seaters. We are often contacted by drivers from the GP2 Series or other disciplines looking to take their careers to the next level in endurance. The power gain with the new LMP2s (100 hp) is exactly what interests drivers. For example, James Allen comes from Formula Renault and has been able to adapt very well to endurance racing. He runs very fast and will soon be rewarded, we will allow him to qualify for certain races, the goal is always to promote drivers. Whatever happens, we will keep open this path to endurance via the CN, the LMP3 and the LMP2 classes and help carry our gentlemen-drivers and young drivers to the highest level."

Is Road to Le Mans a way to shine a spotlight on your team since it serves as a curtain-raiser to the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

"Yes, of course! Road to Le Mans is promotional. It's also how we've developed the team, meaning going through the promotional rungs. Last year, we came as an opening act with the LMP3s and Porsche Carrera Cup. It's also a way to get to know the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit. It can't be wasted."