How has your European Le Mans Series season been so far?

“Pretty good. We won the first two races and lead the championship by 25 points. Two out of two is great. We were the quickest in both races so I’m really happy with how things are going.”

You know the Ligier chassis pretty well, both the JS P2 and the JS P3. What do they have in common?

“I jumped back in P2 at Le Mans. I remembered how much difference there is actually. The P3 car is almost exactly half-way between a GT and a prototype. It has the feel of a prototype but then in the high-speed corners it lacks a bit of downforce compared to the LM P2. If it had just a bit more high-speed grip they would be basically somewhat equivalent.”

You didn’t compete at Le Mans but you were a reserve driver. How does it feel to be on the side lines yet part of a team?

“G-Drive Racing is a team of great drivers and I enjoyed my time there a lot. I played my role It was an interesting experience to see the whole team from the outside. But of course, I prefer to be behind the steering wheel.”

How did you spend your time during the week?

“During the Test Day I did a few laps. After that I lent support wherever I could. A couple of drivers were doing Le Mans for the first time – one in each car – so if there were questions, I was available. But they’re top level guys, they know what they’re doing so I just spent time with the team and was there in case I was needed.  I’ve done Le Mans before in LM P2 cars so I know how it goes.”

And the good news is that you’ll be with G-Drive for the rest of the WEC season. How do you feel about that?

“I’m really excited. It’s a front-running team and a top-level opportunity. So the way I see it is now I’m with two of the best British sports car teams, not just one. I have two programmes now which I’m going to stay focused on. I think it’s great. I’m going to be out in a car every weekend improving myself and the cars. So let’s see how it goes. Hopefully there’ll be good results in both championships.”

How did you clinch the deal with G-Drive Racing?

“I knew there was a shuffle around within the crew and all of a sudden there was a space. Sam Hignett from Jota Sport got in touch with me. I’ve known the team for a very long time. He asked me if I wanted to drive and said there would be an opportunity after Le Mans. It was very, very simple: they had a seat available and they know I can do the job.”