Japanese driver Keiko IHARA is the only female competitor in the FIA World Endurance Championship ​​this year. Alas, due to recurring concerns about Lola B12/Coupé-Nissan (LMP2) she shares with Frederic Fatien and Jean-Denis Deletraz, it will not participate in the first round of the series. Team Gulf Racing Middle East has withdrawn the #28 car. However, she agreed to answer our questions.

 - What led to your involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship?

"I became a motorsports fan when I visited a circuit for my job as “Benetton F1 Image girl”. 13 years later, now, I’m capable of taking part in the World Endurance Championship, the greatest of all motorsports events and I’m really exited. I’m going to aim at the podium while learning things with many experienced drivers." 

- What do you expect for the FIA WEC season?

"I joined Gulf Racing Middle-East Team which is very famous for “Gulf color” of the film of Steve McQueen and I drive with my teammates who are very experienced drivers including ex-F1 driver, Le Mans winner. Unfortunately we were forced to retire before the start of the race in the opening round at Sebring due to problems in the car. But I’m going to enjoy the World Endurance Championship from Round 2 because from the next round, my favorite circuits follows one after another.(or from the next round, many of the circuits are my favorites).  "

- How do you feel to be the only woman driver in the Championship?

"I’m deeply grateful to my team and supporters who gave me the chance to take part in the WEC as a woman driver for the first time in the world. I think the WEC is the toughest championship even for men, but I hope to do as hard as I can while testing the limit of my mind and body."

- What about the Le Mans 24 hours?

"I raced in dozens of countries for 13 years since my debut, but nothing will give me more pleasure than to take part in the Le Mans 24 hours in Le Mans Prototype. I know the Le Mans 24 hours is the hardest race in the world which requires to join all of potentials of car, drivers and team staff. I hope to display my abilities to the fullest and to make it to the podium. "

Tetsuya Tsuzuki

Photo : SEBRING (FLORIDA, UNITED STATES), SEBRING INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, 12 HOURS OF SEBRING, 13 MARCH 2012. Keiko Ihara is the only one female driver involved in the FIA World Endurance Championship.