Sebastian Alvarez made his debut for Polish team Inter Europol Competition in Barcelona. The 20-year-old Mexican was racing alongside Vlad Lomko and Tom Dillmann, the trio bringing the car home 6th in the LMP2 category at the end of the 4 Hours of Barcelona.
2024 marks the third season in the European Le Mans Series for the driver from Monterrey, with Alvarez competing for DKR Engineering the previous two seasons where he finished 3rd overall in LMP3 in 2022 and raced in the highly competitive LMP2 Pro/Am class last season.
Q) Welcome to Inter Europol Competition, Seb. Please tell us a little about yourself, how you got involved in the sport, your current journey, and your hobbies and interests away from the circuit.
"Hi all, I'm Sebastian Alvarez. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, but I've lived my whole life in Mexico City. I first got involved in racing when my uncle took us go-karting, and my brother really liked it! I admit that at the time, I was not so interested, so they bought my brother a kart, and then he lost a little interest.
"So, my dad told me to try it again. We have a kart, and it's ready to go, and that's when my passion for racing kicked in. Every time I drove, I loved it more and more, and that was the start of the journey to where I am now.
"I don't have other hobbies, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, I started playing paddle, something I have learned to really enjoy. I like fishing, too; it's really cool to do when we're all on holiday, but as I say, racing is my main passion."
Q) We've just had the first round of the European Le Mans Series in Barcelona. The #43 team showed good speed at times, but ultimately sixth position was a frustrating result. Please tell us about the race.
"The first round in Barcelona allowed us to show that we have speed and a good driver lineup; we will be able to perform well together over the season. We were a little unfortunate in Spain, but we know we can improve, and then we will be in a great place to challenge for race wins.
"I started the race and had an okay start, trying to keep it clean, but then I got hit in turn two, and I wasn't sure how much damage there was. Fortunately, the car was fine, and I was able to push hard until the yellow and safety car, but my stint was good. The result, though, was frustrating, as we all felt we could have achieved a podium position."
Q) Next up is Circuit Paul Ricard, a circuit traditionally good for Inter Europol Competition. Can you tell us about the circuit and the approach you will take to Thursday's testing?
"We'll start with an engineering meeting, looking back on Barcelona as a quick debrief on what happened and where we can improve. Then we move on to Paul Ricard, looking at existing data and video whilst working out a plan for the week ahead.
"So, there is a lot of prep already underway, and by the time we leave the pit lane, we will have a clear plan for what we wish to achieve."
Q) Consistency is always the key to a championship assault. After Paul Ricard, there's a gap for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and then we're into a run of races including Imola and Mugello, with the later new to the series for 2024. Tell us about the remaining rounds and which circuits you expect to perform well at.
"There's a gap in the calendar after Paul Ricard for Le Mans. I don't have a seat yet, but hopefully, the gap will be filled! I'd rather be out in the car, as any gap in track time affects you and makes it harder for the driving to come as it should, naturally. So, regardless of what happens, I will keep training; I have a simulator at home to keep everything fresh to ensure I'm as fresh as possible for the remainder of the season.
"The ELMS calendar is good, and for me, it will be the same in that we always try to maximise everything that we have, especially at the new circuit on the schedule, where we must use our time to the very best."
The 4 Hours of Le Castellet is Round 2 of the 2024 European Le Mans Series and will take place on Sunday 5 May at the Circuit Paul Ricard in the South of France.
