2024 Porsche Carrera Cup France Vice Champion Mathys Jaubert certainly made his mark on his European Le Mans Series debut in Barcelona last month. The 20-year-old from Salon-de-Provence won the LMP2 category with IDEC Sport alongside his teammates Jamie Chadwick and Daniel Juncadella in his first race in a Le Mans Prototype.
Mathys Jaubert was also recognised by the fans, being voted the LMP2 driver of the race and receiving the first Goodyear Wingfoot trophy on the podium.
Now he prepares for his home race in Le Castellet and we caught up with him to talk about his first experience of racing in the ELMS.
Q: Congratulations on winning the LMP2 category on your ELMS debut.How would you sum up the race from Barcelona and what lessons have you taken from the race in Spain for the next event in Le Castellet?
Mathys Jaubert: “It was a fantastic start to the season. The whole race in Barcelona was intense from start to finish, but we executed our strategy perfectly and stayed out of trouble. I learned a lot about tire management and traffic handling in LMP2, which is quite different from what I’ve experienced before.
“Going into Le Castellet, I’ll focus even more on consistency and communication with the team to maximize our potential again.”
Q: Since you finished with karts you have been racing sportscars, winning the Caterham France 420R in 2022 and then taking the Porsche Carrera Cup Vice Champion’s title last year. How different is the LMP2 Oreca 07 from the cars you have competed in so far in your career?
MJ: “The Oreca 07 is a huge step up in terms of performance and downforce. Compared to the Porsche Cup car, the braking and cornering capabilities are on another level. There’s also a lot more to manage technically especially with traffic, tyre degradation, and fuel strategy. But I love the challenge. The car gives you the confidence to push once you understand its limits.”
Q: You are from Salon-de-Provence which is just 100km from the Circuit Paul Ricard. How well do you know the circuit and what are your thoughts on racing there with IDEC Sport?
MJ: “I know the Paul Ricard circuit really well. I’ve driven there many times in different cars. It’s my home track, so it’s going to be special racing there in front of family and friends. It’s a technical track with a unique layout and surface, so tyre management will be key specially with the new 2025 tyre. Racing there with IDEC Sport, especially after our strong start, is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Q: How well did you know your two teammates Jamie and Daniel prior to the first race in Barcelona? How are you getting along with them and how are you finding working with IDEC Sport?
MJ: “Before Barcelona, I had the opportunity to work with Jamie during four days of testing and several sessions at the workshop, which helped us build a strong rapport. I also spent two days testing with Dani, allowing us to establish a good connection. Both are exceptional drivers, and we’ve quickly developed a solid team dynamic. Working with IDEC Sport has been fantastic; the team’s professionalism and supportive environment have made the integration seamless.”
Q: The LMP2 category is extremely competitive with a lot of good teams and drivers. You arrive in Le Castellet as championship leaders, but would you consider a good result in Round 2?
MJ: “Absolutely. The level in LMP2 is so high that anything can happen, but consistency is what wins championships. A podium would definitely be a strong result again. We’re not going to take unnecessary risks, but we’ll be pushing hard to stay at the front.”
Q: After Le Castellet is the 24 Hours of Le Mans. What does it mean to you to race with IDEC Sport and André Lotterer at such an iconic event?
MJ: “It’s honestly a dream come true. Le Mans is the race every endurance driver wants to compete in, and to do it with IDEC Sport and someone like André Lotterer who has won the race and brings so much experience is something I’m incredibly proud of. I’m learning every day, and to be part of this journey is a big step in my career.”
