Interviews

Planetlemans talks To Chris Buncombe

© Chris Buncombe

Chris Buncombe managed a fifth time in the LMP2 class during the Le Mans test day, a great improvement for the Binnie Lola-Zytek after a very unlucky weekend at Valencia. We caught up with Chris to ask him on his evaluation of the test and his perspectives for the 24 Hour race.

© Planetlemans - Gabriel Portos

PLM- Chris, how did the test day go for you?

CB- It went well, I did my 10 mandatory laps in the morning and then spent the afternoon doing runs with different tyre compounds, I have to say I was happy with the results.

PLM- What was your first impression of the track?

CB- I love the circuit! I never knew there could be so much straight line. The car moves and bumps quite a bit on the open road sectors so you have to get used to it, it’s not as smooth as, say, Monza.

PLM- Let me briefly go back to the tyre subject, you said you were happy with the Kumhos…

CB- We tested a new tyre that we might use during the race, depending on the conditions out there. In fact I have to say there is one particular tyre that I’ve always liked and during the year I have found myself always going back to it but here you need to have a close look at degradation. And, of course, it is three of us driving so we try and experiment with different things.

PLM- What happened at Valencia?

CB- Well, our pace was really good to begin with. We could have gone better in qualifying from what we knew from testing there but an engine change on Friday night brought us the problems.
PLM- Does not sound very good for the race…

CB- Actually Zytek engines very rarely have problems, we have a reliable car now with which we did 1100 km this weekend, more than anyone else on our class. And with zero mechanical issues!

PLM- And how are you feeling?

CB- Good and ready for it, realistically we do not have the pace that the Zyteks had on Sunday but we can qualify top 5. Then it is a question of driving a consistent and sensible race staying out of the pits as much as possible but everyone says that I believe (laughs) Binnie have a good record here so I’m confident.

PLM- So your fitness level is also good?

CB- I usually am in a good level of fitness. I train regularly with Jenson Button when he is around, we just did a few days of training together at Monaco. And driving an open car is better than being on a GT, I know how those guys feel although I have not experienced a GT with airco yet.

PLM- Have you already practiced at night?

CB- It’s part of what i hav to learn, which is plenty. I’ve never driven this fast at night, only touring cars so it will be a whole new challenge for me.

PLM- Had you been at Le Mans before?

CB- Only as a spectator in 1999 so I know how fantastic the atmosphere is. From what i’ve heard we’ll have a record number of Brits coming this year so I’m looking forward to experiencing that from inside the pits and paddock.

PLM- Are you still feeling comfortable in the team?

CB- Very comfortable. I am working well with my engineer and he and the team have done a fantastic job developing the chassis. Everyone is very excited about the race already and I have to say both Bill and Allen are safe, reliable..very very good gentleman drivers.

PLM- So what will be your qualifying time?

CB- 3:35…(laughs)No,no, actually we think we’ll be happy on a 3:39 but to be honest it is difficult to predict given the changes at Tertre Rouge.

Quick, consistent, making his debut at Le Mans with one of the teams with the best record in LMP2: Chris Buncombe has a very good opportunity and he knows it. Sunday 17^th June at 15.00 will tell whether he’s been able to grab it.

Best of luck Chris and thanks for your time.

gabriel@planetlemans.com