Was it a real desire of yours to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Jason Bright (the driver of No.81 8Star Motorsports Ferrari 458 Italia) said: "Yes, it's really something I have always wanted to do! It's just very hard to equate it with the Australian V8 Supercar races that I usually undertake! It is has been difficult to manage the test day which was mandatory for me as a newcomer to complete 10 laps, but then have to return to Australia for the Skycity Triple Crown Race and then fly back to Europe for scrutineering!  Each year, in the past I wanted to do Le Mans but every time there was a clash with another race back home. This year's 24 Hours of Le Mans took place a week later than usual and therefore it would  be possible for me to do it! I'm really happy, I feel privileged! I'm in a good team, with good drivers and I have a chance to do well!"

What are your first feelings about the circuit?

"It's just an amazing lap! There are only a handful of tracks like this in the world with such a history and where it really is a pleasure to drive! There are very fast corners, it's great! It really is a track that I wanted to drive for a long time! I was waiting for this moment! I must admit that the weekend of the test day was really special for me!"

What do you think of the Ferrari F458 Italia?

"It's a great car. I had already driven at Paul Ricard during the official test for the FIA World Championship Endurance Championship. It was a pleasant surprise compared to the Aston Martin GT1 that I had driven in the past (the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2006). I must get used to the downforce as it is in this area that the car differs most from the Australian V8 Supercars. Another thing is different - the quality of the tyres! It's good to have a car with the support of a major tyre manufacture and with good quality tyres! This is different from what I drive the rest of the year as ours are not as good quality. They are certainly more challenging to drive back home but it is good to find cars that have a little more grip"!

What is your goal for this race?

"We have a very competitive car and the team is very professional. Besides, the 458 shone in the first two rounds of the World Championship in Silverstone (3rd) and at Spa-Francorchamps (victory for AF Corse). Here the track is different again and we have to fight with Aston Martin who were really fast at the test day. We'll see how the race unfolds. I have the chance to run with two good team mates and I think the combination of all these elements gives us a good package. In addition, the Ferrari is known as strong on longer runs. We are confident we can get a podium though."

David Bristol / ACO

Translated by: Tony Light / ACO

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