Interviews

Planetlemans talks to Pedro Lamy

© Planetlemans - Gabriel Portos

It was 1997 when the most successful Portuguese driver ever made a significant career change that would see him become one of the fastest endurance drivers around. Ten years later, reigning LMS GT1 champion Pedro Lamy is leading the LMS LMP1 championship after two of the six rounds and is heading for Le Mans as one of the Peugeot challengers to break the Audi domination at La Sarthe. After missing each other for two days we catch up with Pedro at the Peugeot headquarters.

© Planetlemans - Gabriel Portos

PLM- Pedro, I believe you have had a very strong start of the season, how do you evaluate it yourself?

PL- I feel really good, we had a good race in Valencia, even if our car is not really designed for such a circuit. We had a much better run at Monza since the car adapted better there but now comes the big test for us which is Le Mans….

PLM- We know this is a very professional team, how do you feel at Peugeot?

PL- The team is unbelievable, is very motivated and this is a key factor, it is what really makes you feel good. In terms of professionality it is the highest level, it is fantastic to work in a team where you can feel everything is so well synchronized.

PLM- You also have a special chemistry with Sarrazin…

PL- We have been racing together for years now so we know each other very well. Our driving styles are very similar so the set-up is also simple.

PLM- How does the addition of Bourdais for Le Mans fit then?

PL- Great, we have good feedback from him and we have similar ideas in terms of racing approach. He is very quick and experient so we will do just fine.

PLM- Do you guys have any testing program ahead of Le Mans?

PL- No more testing, it’s time for Le Mans.

PLM- What about the Audis, the third car is confirmed, we anticipate a big rivalry.

PL- There’s always rivalry! But this is just at racing level and let’s not forget Peugeot is still a new team. We are focusing on the second year while Audi brings more experience in 2007 and has an advantage. But we’re certainly ready for a good fight!!!

PLM- You can’t complain about the car…

PL- Certainly not, we have good reliability considering it’s really a brand new car. Our races have been strong and we had both cars finish in Monza and one in Valencia (both victories), we are even better at racing than at testing sessions.
PLM- You also bring your memories of the Aston vs. Corvette rivalry, right?

PL- True, this was a very very sportive rivalry. A very neat competitiveness where everyone gave their very best to achieve results.

PLM- Let’s change subject, favorite track?

PL- Certainly Nürburgring but I also love Spa with its challenge, Monaco, Le Mans… By the way I meant the "old" Nürburgring, the Nordschleife!!!

PLM- You are leading the LMS championship, already grabbed one victory, is the LMS championship your objective for 2007?

PL- We have a competitive car but it’s difficult to predict. I’d rather take it one step at a time.

PLM- Are you now 100% dedicated to driving?

PL- Indeed, no activities outside professional driving for the moment.

PLM- And still living in Portugal…

PL- Just outside Lisbon. This means quite some travelling but it is not as last year where I had many races in the US. At least for the time being it is only Europe (laughs).

We leave Pedro with our best wishes for him and Peugeot for Le Mans. Whatever the result there, his charm and charisma will be present, as will his speed on the track.

Obrigado Pedro and Cécile for the interview.

gabriel@planetlemans.com