Interviews

Planetlemans talks To Jonny Kane

© Spyker Squadron

Jonny’s mornings are busy these days. Running, fitness, after all it is almost Le Mans time and you’d better be prepared. After a few years racing in the US Jonny returned to this side of the pond where he is now a regular in endurance racing. In his second year with Spyker Squadron he will be driving at La Sarthe with Jarek Janis and Mike Hezemans in one of the works cars.

© Spyker Squadron

PLM- Jonny, you ended 2006 with a podium in Jarama but this year it seems more difficult…

JK- Last year we were looking strong and we actually started getting results. This year we progressed further but the other teams with Ferrari and Porsche took a big step forward. That explains a bit of where we are now, e actually improved but so did the others. At the moment we cannot fight for a top position in terms of speed but reliability is the key in this world. Look at the Spa 24 Hours last year, we had a good run there and that makes me hopeful for Le Mans.

PLM- Any differences in the car for Le Mans?

JK- Well, one difference is that we will run with Michelin tyres while usually we have Dunlops. The car has had a lot of work put on it. We have a roof since last year and both engine and suspension have significantly improved. I am very impressed with the effort of the team and actually I’d love to get a podium at Le Mans for them, it would be a great reward for all the work that goes in the car.

PLM- Did the move to Speedy change a lot for you?

JK- No difference at all, our cars are treated both the same, we have similar performances and we share all data with the works team. Each driver can see other driver’s laps and analyze the data. I don’t think there’s any other two teams out there that work as close in the LMS.

PLM- How do you get along with the Andreas (Belicchi-Chiesa)?

JK- Very nice guys, I did not know them from before but we get along really well. We look for the same things on the car and that is very important sine our set-up is then similar. That showed at Valencia where we were running fifth before the engine problems.

PLM- What about your Le Mans partners? Jarek Janis can be real fun…

JK- (laughs) Jarek is really good, I really enjoy driving with him and he’s very fast. Mike Hezemans I know from last year, we were together in the same car and we got along really well, he’s a great guy. I actually know many of the Dutch guys since I was moved around and drove with Jeroen, Mike, Donny last year. I just feel a bit guilty that I force everyone around to speak English (laughs)

PLM- What are your objectives for 2007?

JK- I think a podium or a couple of podiums are possible in LMS. Looking backwards at Valencia maybe our tyre choice was not the best but it’s easy to talk afterwards… Dunlop are working really hard, everyone in the factory is really committed and this will help us to progress.
PLM- And for Le Mans?

JK- Le Mans is different. I am really looking forward to Test Day but don’t forget if you keep going you get a good result. Last year we were one lap behind the leader and one ahead of third place when we had major problems so we were having a great run. At the Spa 24 Hours we had an almost trouble-free run and we got a good result so that’s encouraging. I have not managed to finish Le Mans yet so a finish would be great but we are even more motivated for a podium.

PLM- The reason being?

JK- The team, the employees in particular. Spyker is not as big as Ferrari or Porsche but they compensate having employees that are very dedicated, it would be a great reward for them if we can get a podium finish at Le Mans.

PLM- Do you have any other activities beyond racing?

JK- I coach Formula 3 drivers and I do enjoy it.

PLM- Your favourite track?

JK- Spa..

PLM- Everyone chooses Spa!!

JK- (laughs) I also like street circuits. When I raced in the US I liked Detroit, Long Beach although I heard the latter is modified now. There’s no room for error and you need to push as hard as you can. A few inches off and your race is over, you need full concentration and that’s what I like.

Jonny continues his preparation for Le Mans. He is very motivated, extremely comfortable in his team and is hoping for solid reliability from the Spyker. A podium would be a great coronation of a huge effort and rest assured he’ll be trying really hard to give such a present to the team. He has the right focus and the talent to deliver and he cannot wait for June…

Thanks Jonny for your time.

gabriel@planetlemans.com