24h Le Mans
Gianmaria Bruni is often rightly considered to be one of the best GT drivers in the world. The 35-year-old Ferrari works driver has already won the 24 Hours of Le Mans GT title on three occasions (2008, 2012 and 2014). In a few days’ time (18–19 June), the Italian will line up with James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi in the new Ferrari F488, hoping to add a new trophy to his bulging cabinet. The former Formula One driver (18 Grands Prix for Minardi Cosworth) looks back at his first encounter with the Le Mans 24 Hours circuit.
Tell us about your first 24 Hours of Le Mans as a driver
I came to the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time in 2008. I have great memories as I won the GT2 class as a rookie [with Mika Salo and Jaime Melo in the Ferrari F430]. It was Ferrari’s target. I spent a fantastic week in Le Mans but there was a long wait between scrutineering and the race before I could step into action [smiles].
What is your best memory of the race?
Undoubtedly 2014! That year, we won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in LM GTE Pro [with Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander] and also the World Endurance Championship drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles. We had a fantastic end to the season.
And the worst?
I’d say 2015 has to be the worst. An hour and a half before the end, we were leading by 52 seconds from our nearest challenger when we had to retire with gearbox failure. It was really disappointing but that’s motor racing for you!
Which teammate has made the biggest impression on you?
I have driven quite a bit with Toni Vilander so I’d say him first of all. I get on really well with him. In terms of pure speed though, I’d say Jaime Melo. He was so fast! This year, James Calado is really impressive. He is very quick and is always looking to improve, to get closer to me in terms of lap times and to push the car to its limits. I think he’ll have a great career in GT in the future.
Tell us about the colours and design of your helmet
The colours are those of the Italian flag of course. I changed the design in 2004 when I was in Formula One. The person in charge of my helmet said: “You’re someone who never gives up. In the race, you’re the last to brake and the first to overtake. You’re like a lion!” So I replied: “Right, let’s put that on the helmet!” Then from 2006, I added more red. After my single-seater career came to an end, I switched to endurance to race for Ferrari. Red is the colour of passion. Red is Ferrari.
How are the 24 Hours of Le Mans viewed in Italy?
To be honest, I now live in Monaco and Le Mans is a bit like my home race even if Monaco is not in France [laughs]. Throughout the world, Le Mans is Le Mans. Even if you go to some of the world’s most remote towns, I think that the people will be aware of this race. But if you don’t come to Le Mans and spend the week here, you cannot understand what the 24 Hours of Le Mans are all about. You cannot know how sweet it is to win here [smiles] and how tough it is to lose. The World Endurance Championship is really growing and making a name for itself. More and more people are familiar with the championship and therefore Le Mans. It’s great for everyone, not least the whole of motorsport. For motor racing, this is the place to be!
What a conclusion! Thanks to Gianmaria Bruni for answering our questions.
Photo: Alexis Goure / ACO
