24 Hours of Le Mans

Planetlemans talks to Christian Klien

© Peugeot Sports // One of the new faces at Peugeot, Christian Klien

He was a revelation in Formula 1 impressing a lot of people right from the start, it is hard to believe therefore that Christian Klien does not have a permanent seat in a top team…but this has changed just recently. While most of the rumors were centered about Alexander Wurz and Ricardo Zonta very few people knew that the young Austrian was also in Peugeot’s targets for the Le Mans effort. We managed to fire a few questions at Christian to gauge this very special moment for him as a new world is about to open up for his driving talents.

PLM- How did the Peugeot deal come to be?

CK- I realised there was an opportunity to talk to Peugeot Sport about its 2008 program and, since it was clear that I would be a Test and Reserve Driver for the BMW-Sauber F1 team I really wanted to race a competitive car in another category. Peugeot Sport is for sure a top team with a great car and targeting victory in Le Mans – so this is a perfect solution for me.

PLM- How do you feel being the “benjamin” of the team?

CK- If you mean being the “youngster” of the team, I did not really think about it! We have a very strong driver line-up with a lot of F1 experience available and a team capable of winning. I think the ‘old’ guys and the ‘young’ guys in the team will work very well together. Le Mans is a special challenge for any driver.

PLM- What is your vision of endurance and Le Mans? Any experience?

CK- I have not raced in sports cars before, but like everyone who is a professional racing driver I realise that Le Mans is a special event. Driving is not the problem, even at night, especially when you have a professional team, a competitive car and good team-mates. The endurance side is something I am looking forward to – I am one of those drivers who really enjoys the physical training side of racing, and I do a lot of training to keep myself in top condition for Formula One, and now Le Mans too. I work hard with my trainer Daniel Devigili, who is a former Karate World Champion, and we train in the mountains – cycling and cross-country skiing – and in the gym.

PLM- What were your impressions of the 908 during testing? is it (like some say) as a F1 with 500 kg extra?

CK- My impression of the Peugeot 908 was very positive. Actually, I admit I was surprised to find how good this car is to drive. It is very different from Formula One, of course, not only in weight but also engine characteristics, the way it develops the power and handles too. But, once I got used to the difference, I could see this is a really strong, competitive car and perfect for the job – it’s exciting to drive too.

PLM- What will be your objective at Le Mans?

CK- My objective is to help Peugeot Sport to achieve its target – to win the race. Obviously we have three cars but only one can win; the strategy and tactics will be worked out by the team and then my job is to be quick and look after the car. I really want to make the most of this opportunity for myself, but also for Peugeot Sport; they have created a very strong team, and it is up to each person in the team to work together to achieve the target.

PLM- Do you have experience racing at night/dusk? How many kilometers have you already driven on the car?

CK- I have never experienced night-racing, but I have driven the Peugeot 908 at night – during private testing. It was very interesting. I realised that you have to rediscover the reference-points on the circuit at night time, but once you know where you must brake, turn-in, accelerate, it does not matter if it is day or night. In fact sometimes it’s quicker at night, so it is not a problem for me. So far I have driven perhaps 500kms in the car, but I am looking forward to testing it extensively in the coming months.

PLM- Have you ever been to Le Mans as spectator?

CK- I have not been to Le Mans, but my father Johannes has been there and he enjoyed the spectacle and the atmosphere. Of course, being a truly international event, I have heard so much about this race and I cannot wait to visit Le Mans for testing in May and then to return for the race in June. I think it will be a busy time, but also a good time to enjoy the special flavour of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

In June Christian will be getting his first taste of La Sarthe and we now no test or preparation compares to that magical moment. A big challenge but also the right team mates and infrastructure to get a shot at the top positions. Looking forward to see him on the track and enjoy his progress from test day on.