Louis Deletraz has a 100% record at the 4 Hours of Barcelona, with the Swiss driver finishing on the top step of the podium in the three races at the Spanish circuit he has competed in, including taking an overall win in the LMP2 Pro/Am Racing Team Turkey Oreca last season.
The double ELMS champion will race with the AO by TF team alongside his fellow 2021 ELMS Champion and racing legend Robert Kubica and 2020 ADAC Formula 4 Champion Jonny Edgar.
We caught up with Louis as he prepares for another ELMS season.
Q: With three wins from three at Barcelona you seem to like this circuit?What makes Barcelona a good track for you as a driver?
Louis Deletraz: “We've had amazing last few years with three wins. I mean, every time we came here, we won, so I hope it continues. You know, it's a bit scary actually coming back, if we can get a fourth in a row, but definitely we like to track I feel great here. I really enjoy racing at this circuit and there's a lot of challenge with the tyres degradation, so which makes it very interesting.”
Q: Last year you won here with Racing Team Turkey, the first overall victory for a LMP2 Pro/Am team.What memories do you have about last year’s race?
LD: “Last year with Racing Team Turkey was fantastic. I mean, to get the overall win as a Pro/Am car.We definitely aimed at it, but it was going to be hard and a lot of work. We had pace, a good car, great strategy and all the drivers did a fantastic job. It's such a great memory.”
Q: Looking ahead to this season, you are now racing for AO by TF and the LMP2 grid this year looks epic.You are back with your 2021 teammate Robert Kubica, you must be pleased to have him as your teammate in such a competitive field?
LD: “It's great to be back with Robert. Since we started LMP2 and since I started endurance, I’ve been a teammate with Robert. And you know, he's such a legend in motorsport, I've learned so much from him. To be able to come back together and try to go for another championship in such an epic grid. I'm really excited.”
Q: Tell us about your other teammate Jonny Edgar? Have you worked with him before?
LD: “I've never been teammates with Johnny, never worked with him yet. But I saw him driving in F4. I coach someone and he was there at this test day. I saw that this kid is fast. So, he’s a bit younger than me.Actually, he’s quite a lot younger, it makes me feel makes me feel old. He's super smart; very fast.”
Q: How did the two-day pre season test go here in Barcelona?
LD: “The testing went well. To be honest, the track felt a bit strange to us, like the tyres were sliding a lot. We were not always happy with the balance. But I think in the end, we found a good compromise and we were there up there. Maybe not the fastest, but not the slowest. And again, it's about Sunday, the race that matters.”
Q: What are the expectations for the race on Sunday?
LD: “Well, the expectations for sure are high, we want to start good, and we want to win. That's always the objective. But we're here for a championship. We must take it race by race and be smart. I think that's how I see endurance racing.I just want to fight, give it a shot and if we win amazing. If not, then we can take a podium that will be great.”
