24h Le Mans
The stakes are high for drivers in the Hypercar class this year, whether they have an outside chance or feature among the favourites. Some are here to shine in a new discipline while others have a reputation to defend. And some are chasing a crown that has so far escaped them. Here’s what they have to say.
Brendon Hartley’s list of achievements is one of the most impressive on the grid. Thanks to his three 24 Hours of Le Mans victories (2017, 2020 and 2022) the Kiwi has become synonymous with Toyota Gazoo Racing, who can boast five overall wins at the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans. “I always look ahead but I realise that I’ve been on either the first or second step of the podium in my last four appearances. It means a lot, I sometimes think about those three Le Mans wins, and I’m really proud of that.”
Winning is difficult, but defending a title is even harder. His accomplishments pile on the pressure, but the impressive amount of experience under his belt can only be an advantage. With so much competition, the knowledge gained over the last few years could be more important than ever if we want to fight for victory. Of course Brendon Hartley is fully aware that everyone is out to beat Toyota. "We have a target on our back, not as a line-up, but as a team."
Competition is stiff in the Hypercar class. The cards have been reshuffled. The #8 Toyota GR010 - Hybrid is wary of all its opponents, but especially the red prototypes. “It’s hard to pick a favourite. Everyone has good reliability, but Ferrari seems to have the strongest pace. Newcomers have a thirst for victory and are intent on taking a share of the limelight, especially given the attention on the Centenary.
It didn’t take Antonio Giovinnazzi long to get used to the intricacies of the Ferrari 499P. As a driver with 62 Grands Prix to his name, he is looking forward to giving Toyota a hard time. How is he going to go about it? "I think the key is to avoid errors, to be sure of our racing line and to keep the pressure on. If we manage that, we might force an error that gives us an opportunity."
But Giovinazzi, who shares the #51 with Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado, remains cautious. He knows he’s a target too. “Toyota are the team to beat, but it was obvious on Test Day that Cadillac and Porsche were hot on our heels.” He knows this game. “You’re never 100% sure of yourself, especially in a long race where the situation can change in the blink of an eye. You have to take it one lap at a time. Keep it together and pile on the pressure and hope for the win.” He seems convinced that the opponents behind him are just as formidable as those ahead.
"Of course, we’re always going to have the pressure of being Ferrari", says the former Alfa Romeo Formula One driver. He doesn’t seem fazed though. His thirst for a historic result calms his nerves!
Loïc Duval shares the Peugeot TotalEnergies #94 Peugeot 9X8 with Gustavo Menezes and Nico Müller. He is one of the 13 former winners on this year’s grid (2013 Winner with Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish, in the Audi R18 e-tron quattro). “It seems like yesterday. It’s hard to believe it was ten years ago. I’ve done so much since. I was on the podium in 2016 for example.”
The Frenchman, who will be 41 on Monday, is aiming for victory. The Peugeot 9X8s may not have shown the best pace in the first three FIA WEC rounds this season, but no matter. “When you win, you’re obsessed with winning again. It’s so intense. You throw everything into it. By the end of the race, the cars are done in, and so are the drivers!"
The driver is excited and proud to be back in the top class after a period in LMP2 (2018, 2019 and 2021). “I’m delighted to be back for the Centenary with a French make, in a French team. It all makes sense. I know what the legacy of Le Mans means [three victories in 1992, 1993 and 2009] I have such good memories with Peugeot... The best time I ever had at the wheel at Le Mans was in the 908 in 2010. It’s great to be back.”
