After three appearances at the 24 hours, Liz Halliday was back at Le Mans last June as a TV presenter, paying particular attention to the exploits of  Vanina Ickx and  Andrea Robertson.

Andrea Robertson made twice in the history of the Endurance in 2011, finishing on the podium of the LM GTE Am Sarthe, then forming this summer with Melanie Snow's first female team in the American Le Mans Series. Liz Halliday may one day turn into the legendary Le Mans with its unique sporting dream, among the 24 Hours of Le Mans and horseback riding.

How would you define the similarities and differences between racing and horse riding?
Liz Halliday: "I started riding, I go up since the age of eight. I start to run until sixteen, when I got my driver's license. There are many more similarities one can imagine, this is very surprising. There are more and more women drivers, and many of them went horseback riding. And among the great champions of the past, someone like Stirling Moss had practiced jumping. Horseback riding and racing have in common is that sports that require an instantaneous reaction time. In riding, the body adapts to different types of jumps, and did the same for the different turns of a circuit. But the essential difference is that, unlike a race car, the horse has a brain (laughs)! "

We must therefore establish a relationship of trust ...
"What I actually won the riding, it is the mental connection that develops between horse and rider. Both are true partners, and it is wonderful to achieve something together. But it takes years before finding the perfect balance between the two, especially if, like me, is practiced all around. We can begin to ride a horse when very young, but it is only when we get to this level of competition we know if osmosis was successful. It is undoubtedly easier in motorsport, especially in endurance, because your teammates also help you find the best way to be comfortable with his car. So, I felt immediately more comfortable in a prototype than any other race car. It is indeed a matter of confidence in riding between the horse and rider. And in a race like the 24 Hours of Le Mans with his teammates and his team. "

You were particularly enthusiastic when you took the wheel of an old Alfa Romeo at the 2010 Goodwood Revival in Britain ...
"Absolutely. It is a kind of homecoming, because I drove in history when I started, and I really enjoyed that experience at Goodwood last year. It is a sacred transition to move from an LM P1 prototype to a small car with small tires, but it's fantastic. I also ran into history at Silverstone and Monza. They are really enjoyable event, I am much amused, and vintage cars are fabulous. I really want to go and attend the Le Mans Classic is indeed one of my goals for 2012. "

Always strive for a double sports program between the Olympic equestrian eventing and the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
"Absolutely. My goal is to conquer the podium at both Le Mans and the Olympic Games. It's all about finding the right horse at the right time, whether 24 hours or OJ (laughs)! For now, I do not think to be ready before 2016 this double challenge, because the horses I work with now will probably not ready for the Olympics in London. Side Le Mans, having worked as a consultant on TV 24 times in 2011 also allowed me to stay in the circuit, and collect as much information to try to find a wheel for the 2012 . I also really fun to do on television, whether in the studio or on the ground. "

Jean-Philippe Doret

Photo: 24-HOUR Circuit (Le Mans), LE MANS 24 HOURS, RACE, June 11, 2011. Working as a TV presenter in 2011, Liz Halliday hopes to be back on track for the 2012 24 Hours!