Lowe’s Fernandez Racing will be the only Acura team in the LMP2 category and will try to claim the Championship title versus the Dyson Racing Lolas. Adrian Fernandez, driver and team-owner, has agreed to answer a few questions about the 2008 season and the upcoming year.
Adrian, what do you think about your 2008 season in the ALMS? Did it match your expectations?
“No, it didn’t match my expectations. It was a frustrating year with the DNFs because we had a car to win and challenge for the championship.”
Which races have been the best ones for the #15 Acura?
“It depends if you are looking at results or performance. In terms of results, it would be our podiums at Mid-Ohio and Mosport. Performance-wise, we had a very fast car at Salt Lake City, Laguna, Sebring, Long Beach and Elkhart Lake.”
And the worst?
“Sebring is at the top of the list because we finished second and were disqualified. In terms of performance, I would say Petit Le Mans.”
What did Fernandez Racing lack of in the 2008 season? Luck or anything else?
“Reliability. That was our weakness.”
Has the Acura ARX-01b been developed during the off-season? If so, in which areas?
“The Acura has been well-developed already so there are really no new developments for 2009. The biggest changes to the car are complying with the new rules for this year – an additional 110 pounds of weight, a smaller engine intake restrictor and a bigger rear Gurney flap.”
What has been your schedule since Laguna Seca?
“We had our first test to prepare for the new season in mid-January. We also participated in the ALMS Winter Test there and will return to Sebring for another test in the middle of this month. My biggest personal project in the off-season was moving my family to Miami, Florida, from Arizona. We love it here.”
What is your ambition in 2009?
“To finish all the races. Luis Diaz will be with us all season and Michel Jourdain Jr. will join us at Sebring and Petit.”
You raced in the Grand-Am Championship and now in the ALMS. Can you compare both series?
“They are really two different worlds. Grand-Am is a cross between a NASCAR and Le Mans car. The cars are not as fast, not as sophisticated or as expensive.”
You raced at Le Mans in 2007. What can you tell us about this experience? What do you think of the circuit and the race?
“My experience at Le Mans was just fantastic. I absolutely loved driving this circuit. There are not many race tracks in the world that are this fast. That, combined with the history of the event and the atmosphere, made it a truly special experience.”
Will you come back at Le Mans? In 2009?
“I would love to race at Le Mans again and I am definitely looking forward to coming back at some stage. Unfortunately, we will not be at Le Mans this year.”
We really thank Adrian Fernandez for his kindness.
Claude Foubert