24h Le Mans
Photo : Pool ACO - ACO / Nikon
His television commentating on the Sky Channel (with Allan McNish and Johnny Herbert, two other former winners of the Le Mans 24 Hours), will resume on Sept. 2 at the Belgian Grand Prix. The English driver gives his view on the 24 Hours and Formula 1, and on the career of his son Alex.
How was the traffic with the LMP1s at the Le Mans 24 Hours?
Martin Brundle: "Before the race I had heard many things about how difficult it is to let the LMP1 cars past, especially at night. In reality it was not a problem in an LMP2 car because we are as fast as them in the braking zones and corners, and so it was a question of judgement of whether to ease gently off the throttle as they approached into a corner, or wait for them to pass on the exit under acceleration. This will be more complex at Silverstone however due to the layout of the circuit compared with Le Mans."
Do you think that the development of the WEC could encourage young drivers to develop a long-term career in endurance racing considering the lack of opportunities in single-seater racing and Formula 1?
"It’s clear to me that many young drivers are understanding for themselves that Sports Car racing offers very professional and rewarding opportunities including manufacturer supported programmes. They have to come to terms with accepting the difficult of the congested and impossibly expensive nature of single seater racing, and park their dreams of becoming F1 World Champion."
Do you talk about all this with Alex? Do you think he has already made up his mind about a racing career in endurance racing and single seater racing?
"I always talk with Alex when he is ready to do so. He is smart enough to realise that in this financial climate he needs to explore all opportunities and keep as many options as possible on the table. Every time he races any car he becomes a better and faster driver, be it sports car or single seater. He will find a way and I will advise when appropriate."
Jean-Philippe Doret
Photo : CITY CENTRE LE MANS (SARTHE), SCRUTINEERING FOR 24 HEURES DU MANS, 11 JUNE 2012. Martin Brundle (left) joins his son Alex directly from the F1 Canadian Grand Prix the day before.
