After scructineering at the Jacobins, Team ORECA-Matmut-AIM were out on the circuit Wednesday for the first practice session, ORECA-01’s maiden outing on the Sarthe circuit. With the impending race in mind, the team worked to finalise the prototypes set up with the rain appearing on several occasions.

One of the objectives was to qualify the six drivers under night conditions, with two drivers having to complete the obligatory 10 laps: Tiago Monteiro who had not driven at Le Mans since 2001 and Bruno Senna who is a new comer. After Stéphane Ortelli finished setting up the car, the Brazilian discovered the mythic circuit of Le Mans and its 13,629 km. « The circuit was dry in certain parts and humid in others and I had to be extremely careful my first laps out » explained Bruno. « Le Mans is a mixture of many varying conditions: you need to know where you can attack and where you can’t.. This is what makes the circuit difficult but also what makes it unique. It is a very long circuit and is very bumpy but there are some really interesting corners and under dry conditions this circuit must be really exciting! »

Stéphane and Bruno’s partner in car n°10; Tiago Monteiro is making his comeback to the Le Mans 24 Hours circuit: « To take my first laps in prototype at Le Mans under the rain was not easy… but I can tell you it makes for very strong sensations! You can not take any risks, and you need to gain confidence through experience. The car however is a real pleasure to drive. »

Even with the difficult weather conditions, the ORECA driver’s initial impressions were quite positive. « Under dry conditions we are going to immediately have a really good fondation. » confirmed Nicolas Lapierre. His co-drivers in ORECA n°11, Soheil Ayari and Olivier Panis drove the majority of the session on a wet track. « In the rain the car’s balance was satisfactory » commented Olivier. « It was tricky coming out of the tight corner but the car was good and more enjoyable then last year’s under the same conditions. The car is more stable and that is quite promising for what’s coming up. »

Team ORECA-Matmut-AIM is going to continue to work the set up of the two cars for the qualifying sessions on Thursday.

Source : ORECA