Endurance events owe their existence to the presence of “Gentlemen Drivers”. In the European Le Mans Series, the ACO organisers continue this tradition with the “AM” regulations. This allows these “amateur” drivers to join forces with one or several professional teammates. At the heart of the teams, weekend upon weekend, these “Gentlemen Drivers” put in as much energy and will as they systematically invest in their brilliant professional careers. Since the beginning of the season, ProSpeed Competition’s technical team have focussed their full attention to allow François Perrodo to climb up through the various stages leading to the main objective: a place on the podium in the LM GTE category. Fourth at the Hungarian meeting, the team hopes to materialise this on home ground, during the final round of the championship, to be held this coming Saturday 28th September on the Le Castellet (FR) circuit. François Perrodo, teamed up with the fearsome Emmanuel Collard, will be completing his first full season at an international level. ProSpeed Competition has called upon the man of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR #75 to conjure up his feelings on the eve of the final round of the ELMS.

François, do you have the feeling to have progressed?

“It’s not a feeling, it’s a reality. I have quite clearly progressed, both when it comes to the contact with “Manu” as also with the team. The opportunity to be able to work in a professional manner in a convivial atmosphere is exactly what I was looking for.”

You have experienced an intense season, alternating between being at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3-R and that of the 911 GT3 RSR. In your opinion, where does the difference lie?

“There’s no two ways about it, the 911 RSR (GTE technical regulations, ed) is a true competition car! The GT3-R (GT3 technical regulations, ed) sports a prepossessing chassis and highly refined braking system thanks to, amongst others, its ABS. Battling it out at the wheel of the RSR, a car designed for race professionals, is something quite different. But it makes the handling – and the progress made – far more gratifying”

Which was your best stint of the season?

“The start I took in Austria, where I handed over the car to Manu in fourth place. But keep it quiet, I hope to do even better at Le Castellet…”

And the most difficult?

“Undoubtedly Hungary. The circuit is tortuous, complicated and the rain didn’t help either. It was truly difficult, but in such conditions one learns a great deal.”

Ideally, how would you wish your progression to follow on?

“This will depend on the evolution of the regulations to be applied in the “AM” category. Those involved should not forget that this category keeps on going because, we the “AM” drivers, are always present. We need to start out somewhere and, in that light, we also claim the right to progress and to see our progress rewarded, and this on the media front also! Next year without a doubt I will further evolve with Emmanuel Collard and, I hope, with ProSpeed Competition. The programme? We will decide together … and set ourselves new objectives to reach!”