Photo : LAURENT CARTALADE / VSA

 

For Jota Sport, Le Mans 2014 was the sort of adventure only the 24 Hours can provide. The challenges began before the race had even started. The team had to find a replacement for Marc Gené on loan from Audi and called back to stand in for Loïc Duval who was injured in the practice sessions. Oliver Turvey stepped in to help Simon Dolan and Harry Tincknell to victory.

Looking back, what do you think about you winning LM P2 at Le Mans with one of the oldest chassis in the category?
Simon Dolan: We knew we had the right pace and that the car was reliable. We had some electrical issues that cost us a good ten minutes and we dropped down to fourteenth, but then we came back up to fifth. The Ligiers were leading so when they had problems, we had to sit tight. The last half hour was particularly nerve-wracking.

How did you go about replacing Marc Gené?
S.D.: Marc replaced Loïc Duval in the Audi n°1 after Loïc’s accident in the practice session. He did a fantastic job going from an LM P2 to an LM P1 hybrid at the drop of a hat, which shows just how professional he is. We called Oliver Turvey to the rescue (Turvey drove for Jota Sport in the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours, Ed.). He was at the gym so he dropped everything, packed his gear and jumped on a Jota Group plane to Le Mans. He had to get used to the car again and quickly fit in with the team. Being at the wheel for the finish, he was under a lot of pressure, but he was faultless.

Jota Sport seems to have a gift for spotting new talent…
S.D.: That’s true. We’ve been very lucky in that respect. The LM P2 class has got more and more competitive over the past few years. There are plenty of very good teams and very good young drivers who/have gone as far as they can in single-seater racing. So LM P2 has youngsters that have what it takes to drive in Formula One. Jota Sport is very lucky to be able to count on the talents of Harry Tincknell (who I think will go far) and Oliver Turvey. They are fast and we provide them with a good environment and a great atmosphere. It’s a fair swap.

How are you preparing for Le Mans 2015?
S.D.: Even though the Zytek is now called Gibson, it is still pretty much the same chassis as it has been for quite a while (smiles). We made a few changes to the aerodynamics, which help with the set-up and adjustments. After all these years, we know the car inside out, so of course, we’re out to win again in 2015.

Jean-Philippe Doret /ACO         Translation by Emma Paulay

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, FRIDAY JUNE 13, 2014, DRIVERS' PARADE. The LM P2 win by Simon Dolan (right) and his team mates Harry Tincknell (left) and Oliver Turvey (centre) was one of the biggest surprises of the 2014 24 Hours.