South African driver Jonathan Aberdein is no stranger to success. The 25-year-old from Kaapstad won the United Arab Emirates Formula 4 Championship in 2017 and finished the 2021 ELMS season as Vice Champion with United Autosports with four podium finishes from the six races, including a win at Portimao.
For 2023 Aberdein has returned to ELMS with Inter Europol Competition, racing the no43 Oreca-Gibson alongside Rui Andrade and Olli Caldwell, taking a third place finish in LE Castellet last time out.
Q) Jonathan, you have recently completed your second European Le Mans Series race with us, securing a first podium. Summarise the season so far, please, and the direction you and the team are taking the LMP2 Oreca.
JA: “To summarise our season so far, I would say that we’ve shown some super strong pace in Barcelona as well as Paul Ricard. We haven’t yet had the results we’ve wanted, but I 100% believe they will come. I think it’s just a case of delivering what we are capable of, nothing more, nothing less. This should be the strategy for the rest of the season.”
Q) It’s your first season with Inter Europol Competition. Tell us a little about yourself, what you like to do away from the circuit for fun – hobbies and interests – as well as routines and race weekend preparations.
JA: "I love the outdoors; I spend my weekends away from the track either at the beach or hiking in the mountains. No pre-race rituals or anything like that, unfortunately!"
Q) The next race is the 4 hours of Aragon, a new venue on the European Le Mans Series race calendar. We know it’s likely to be hot there, and we have a first night race!
“I myself haven’t tested there. I’ve seen the track layout and done a bit of sim. I think it should be a great track to drive in an LMP2 car. Lots of high-speed corners to use the downforce of the car. The race is a night race which I’m absolutely thrilled about. Very much looking forward to the whole event”
Q) We then head to Spa Francorchamps and to Portimao to conclude the season. Tell me about these two circuits and your expectations come to that season finale in Portugal.
“Obviously, Spa and Portimao are a staple of the ELMS calendar, and I am looking forward to returning to both of them. Inter Europol Competition was strong at both tracks last year, and I think we can expect the same kind of performance this year. I have a lot of confidence that we will bring home strong results in both of those events.”
