In what was effectively an extended pre-season test, Perino also finished second in the Prototype Winter Series and then repeated the feat with his teammates recently in the Ultimate Cup Series at Paul Ricard.
Next month, he will line up with Kai Askey and Alex Bukhantsov in the #88 LMP3 in Barcelona.
Q) Pedro, welcome to Inter Europol Competition. Please tell us a bit about yourself in terms of what you like to do away from the circuit, your hobbies and interests, as well as your introduction and journey in motorsport.
"Away from the circuit, I really enjoy surfing! This and racing are things I have grown up with and love to do.
"Surfing is more than a sport; it's a lifestyle. It allows me to get away from the pressure of racing and the decisions I make on and off track. It's my peaceful place—where I can turn off the internet and everything. It's just you and the ocean, nature. It's something pretty special.
"I also like to play football; I've played from a young age, and it was my first dream to be a football player! I also like music; I play the electric guitar, and I like music production.
"I first started racing at the age of seven in Mozambique. It wasn't proper circuit racing back then, but our circuit was made from old car tyres and tape—it was certainly unique!
"When I turned 11, I moved to Portugal and started doing national karting championships and Rotax trophies. 2019 was the Winter Cup Series in an X30 and then the 60 Academy Trophy which was the first time I raced across Europe. I worked my way up to Italian Formula 4 in 2021/22 where I learned a lot. Then to ELMS in 2023, which was not perfect, but it allowed me to learn more about the way endurance racing works. Now I look forward to ELMS and Ultimate Cup with Inter Europol Competition."
Q) You already have LMP3 experience from last year, and you competed with us in the Prototype Winter Series and the Ultimate Cup. Tell us about those two events and how important they are in preparing for the new season.
"Racing in the Prototype Winter Series and Ultimate Cup has been very beneficial for me. It was a great opportunity to start working with the team. I finished second in both races, so I have back-to-back podiums. It's good working with the team. They operate at a high level and also listen to what I have to say to drive forward the car's performance. It's been a really positive start."
Q) You join Kai and Alex this year in the European Le Mans Series. It's an exciting lineup. Tell us how you have worked with the two drivers so far over the off-season.
"The ELMS lineup definitely looks good. Kai is an experienced racing driver from British F4, and Alex is a great bronze driver. I've spent a lot of time working with Alex and I like working with him, good communication between us and it's great to head into the new season with that level of understanding between us.
"Kai, I have only worked with him once; he's a good driver, so the three of us will work together to achieve strong results."
Q) You secured two podiums last year in ELMS; what are your expectations for the coming season?
"Those podiums were at home too! We know we have a good team and lineup, so we are aiming high, and our expectations are to become LMP3 champions. There's not much point in racing for less, and I think we can do it."
