With the second half of the 2022 European Le Mans Series due to get underway with the 4 Hours of Barcelona on Sunday 28 August, followed by the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in September and the 4 Hours of Portimão in October, we caught up with 2013 ELMS LMGTE Champion to look back at his season so far and to see what he thinks about the three events ahead of him and his teammates Duncan Cameron and David Perel in the no55 Spirit of Race Ferrari 488 GTE EVO.
Q: We’ve now completed three of the six ELMS races in 2022, with one podium at Imola under your belt. How would you sum up the start of the season and what were the high and low points?
Matt Griffin: “It's been a strange season for us because, apart from the podium, we have been unlucky.We had a puncture at Paul Ricard due to contact and my teammate Duncan was involved in a crash with Michael Fassbender at Monza. We finished both races, but the results were compromised.
“What is strange is the ELMS is so open this year, so we are still right in the championship fight.”
Q: You raced at Le Mans in June with Duncan and David, finishing 10th in LMGTE Am. How was the race for you?
MG: “Le Mans is Le Mans so independent of result, it's always awesome! Our race was quite uneventful, we were fast, consistent and the team did a great job in the pits. Unfortunately, we had a small issue with the power steering during the night and had to pit to repair losing a couple of laps. Nowadays to finish in the top five you need to have a perfect run. However, all in all, the main aim of Le Mans is about finishing, and we ticked that box.”
Q: Looking forward to the rest of the ELMS season, we head to Barcelona next. What are your thoughts on this race and which part of the circuit is your favourite and why?
MG: “Barcelona is a great circuit. Having the race at the end of August will present some challenges due to the heat, so I think tyre management will be crucial. In the past we have always went well at Barcelona, so I'm really looking forward to the race. It’s such a great circuit, it's hard to pick one part but Turn 3 is definitely one of the highlights. When the tyres are fresh it's almost ‘full gas’ and always maximum commitment.”
Q: After that we have Spa and Portimão, give us your thoughts on those two circuits and what you are looking forward to about each of those tracks?
MG: “Spa is always on the top of every driver’s favourite circuit list and I'm no different; it's simply awesome. People talk about Eau Rouge or Blancimont, but for me the middle sector and Pouhon are the highlights.
“The difference between Portimão and spa could not be bigger. Spa Is long wide and flowing, whereas Portimão is short, tight, and twisty. Portimão is mega, very physical but the most important thing for us GT drivers is traffic management with the LMP2 and LMP3.
“With the championship so open I expect the racing to be frantic and I can't wait for the last three races.”
Q: We’ve now completed three of the six ELMS races in 2022, with one podium at Imola under your belt. How would you sum up the start of the season and what were the high and low points?
Matt Griffin: “It's been a strange season for us because, apart from the podium, we have been unlucky.We had a puncture at Paul Ricard due to contact and my teammate Duncan was involved in a crash with Michael Fassbender at Monza. We finished both races, but the results were compromised.
“What is strange is the ELMS is so open this year, so we are still right in the championship fight.”
Q: You raced at Le Mans in June with Duncan and David, finishing 10th in LMGTE Am. How was the race for you?
MG: “Le Mans is Le Mans so independent of result, it's always awesome! Our race was quite uneventful, we were fast, consistent and the team did a great job in the pits. Unfortunately, we had a small issue with the power steering during the night and had to pit to repair losing a couple of laps. Nowadays to finish in the top five you need to have a perfect run. However, all in all, the main aim of Le Mans is about finishing, and we ticked that box.”
Q: Looking forward to the rest of the ELMS season, we head to Barcelona next. What are your thoughts on this race and which part of the circuit is your favourite and why?
MG: “Barcelona is a great circuit. Having the race at the end of August will present some challenges due to the heat, so I think tyre management will be crucial. In the past we have always went well at Barcelona, so I'm really looking forward to the race. It’s such a great circuit, it's hard to pick one part but Turn 3 is definitely one of the highlights. When the tyres are fresh it's almost ‘full gas’ and always maximum commitment.”
Q: After that we have Spa and Portimão, give us your thoughts on those two circuits and what you are looking forward to about each of those tracks?
MG: “Spa is always on the top of every driver’s favourite circuit list and I'm no different; it's simply awesome. People talk about Eau Rouge or Blancimont, but for me the middle sector and Pouhon are the highlights.
“The difference between Portimão and spa could not be bigger. Spa Is long wide and flowing, whereas Portimão is short, tight, and twisty. Portimão is mega, very physical but the most important thing for us GT drivers is traffic management with the LMP2 and LMP3.
“With the championship so open I expect the racing to be frantic and I can't wait for the last three races.”
