What goes through the mind of a driver in the final minutes of a race?
“It really depends whether you’re in the car or in the pits. Either way, you try to stay calm. When you’re in the pits, you’re constantly checking the time and the countdown, whereas in the car you’re focused on your driving and keeping the pace steady, trying not to make any big mistakes.”
How do you plan a strategy for a race that lasts six or even 24 hours?
“The experience you gain over the years really helps a lot with this aspect. It’s not too difficult because we’ve contested 24-hour races several times. So you already know what happens at any given moment and we stick to the same approach. It’s the best way to stay calm and tackle the race.”
What's the most challenging aspect of endurance racing, physically or mentally?
“I think it’s more mentally demanding than physically, because the tension is very high and that’s hard to manage. Still, you need to be in good shape, and your body must be ready for these efforts. But I’d say the mental side is the most important thing in this type of racing.”
Looking back at your career, what has been the proudest moment so far in the WEC?
Who’s the most competitive of the three of your crew?
“I think we’re all very competitive, otherwise we wouldn’t be here. We’re all competing for the same goal, so we have to give it our all together. That’s fundamental for our team.”
Do you ever play pranks on each other within the team?
“Yes, of course. That’s a classic…”
How do you mentally recover between races?
“Ever since my very first races, when getting into the car I’ve always put on my right shoe first and my left glove first. So I guess that counts as a ritual.”
How do you mentally recover between races?
“I think the best way to recover is spending time with your family. Doing different things when you’re at home. And doing sport.”
Do you have a message for the Ferrari Tifosi who support you race after race?
“You have to support us because your help is really important. Not just supporting us but also enjoying yourselves with us. On our part, we’ll keep giving it our all.”