Former Belcar Champion Bert Longin is the sole Belgian driver taking part in the full 2016 ELMS season and will be the focus of a lot of attention as the series returns to Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday 25 September. Longin, who is also a past FIA GT race winner and victor at the 24 Hours of Zolder, will be taking to the track in the no8 Race Performance JS P3 – Nissan, competing in the highly competitive LMP3 class alongside his Swiss teammates Marcello Marateotto and Giorgio Maggi.
Q: This will be the first visit by the ELMS to Spa for five years. How important is it for you as a Belgian driver to have a race at Spa?
Bert Longin: “It is very, very important. All my sponsors will be in the ELMS hospitality and also the Belgian press who follow me very closely. So we have to perform very strongly at Spa. I also have a lot of supporters who are informed about the race in Spa via social media. The best we can do is to invite all Belgium racing supporters and make a big show in Spa. It will be good for everybody.”
Q: LMP3 has seen large and competitive grids in 2016. Is this what attracted you as a driver to race in LMP3?
BL: “The car immediately took my attention. Also I had sponsors who gave me the hint to speak with some teams to make a deal to drive in the ELMS. The level of drivers is very high and the organisation is fantastic; I love it! My dream is to drive once in my life at Le Mans.”
Q: You have had two top 10 finishes in 2016 with 6th at Silverstone and Red Bull Ring with Race Performance. Do you think home advantage will help in the next race?
BL: “I think yes, I have a advantage. The setup to be quick is important but also this track is challenging and I have driven there a lot, so I know Spa very well.”
Q: What is the goal for the team at the last two races at Spa and Estoril?
BL: “When we (the team and drivers) make no mistakes we can drive for a podium. The level is very high but it has to be our goal.”
Q: This will be the first visit by the ELMS to Spa for five years. How important is it for you as a Belgian driver to have a race at Spa?
Bert Longin: “It is very, very important. All my sponsors will be in the ELMS hospitality and also the Belgian press who follow me very closely. So we have to perform very strongly at Spa. I also have a lot of supporters who are informed about the race in Spa via social media. The best we can do is to invite all Belgium racing supporters and make a big show in Spa. It will be good for everybody.”
Q: LMP3 has seen large and competitive grids in 2016. Is this what attracted you as a driver to race in LMP3?
BL: “The car immediately took my attention. Also I had sponsors who gave me the hint to speak with some teams to make a deal to drive in the ELMS. The level of drivers is very high and the organisation is fantastic; I love it! My dream is to drive once in my life at Le Mans.”
Q: You have had two top 10 finishes in 2016 with 6th at Silverstone and Red Bull Ring with Race Performance. Do you think home advantage will help in the next race?
BL: “I think yes, I have a advantage. The setup to be quick is important but also this track is challenging and I have driven there a lot, so I know Spa very well.”
Q: What is the goal for the team at the last two races at Spa and Estoril?
BL: “When we (the team and drivers) make no mistakes we can drive for a podium. The level is very high but it has to be our goal.”
