Three time ELMS LMP2 Champion Louis Deletraz has had a lot of success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since he made his debut in 2021. The 28-year-old from Geneva finished second in LMP2 in 2022 and 2023 and last year finished second in LMP2 Pro/Am after securing the LMP2 pole position in Thurdsay nights Hyperpole session. However the top step of the Le Mans podium has eluded him.
This season Deletraz is competing in the LMP2 Pro/Am category with AO by TF alongside American duo PJ Hyett and Dane Cameron. The season started with disappointment in Barcelona and then they bounced back with a podium at Le Castellet from pole position. How would Louis sum up the ELMS season so far?
“Barcelona has been tough to swallow as we were fast and in a very good position to win the race in Pro Am but also overall until the throttle sensor failed and we lost few laps. It’s a lot of points gone and not the way you want to start your championship, but it happens sadly…
“Overall I am pleased with the performance this year. AO by TF provided us with a fast car at both events, strategy was good, and we made no mistakes. Paul Ricard conditions were difficult; we made the wrong decision starting on slicks on a damp track but despite this PJ kept it on track and came back. We slowly build our race with strong pace and came back to P2. Good points and now the Pro Am Championship is extremely tight.”
The closest the 2023 FIA World Endurance LMP2 Drivers Champion came to winning at Le Mans was in 2021 with Team WRT. Teammate Yifei Ye was leading the LMP2 category until the very last lap of the 24-hour race when a technical issue saw the car grind to a halt less than 10km from the chequered flag.
While he has had some great results, does Louis Deletraz feel a sense of frustration that he’s yet to win at Le Mans, especially after coming so close in 2021?
“Don’t tell me… 2021 still hurts, losing a Le Mans 24h win on the last lap due to an electronic issue still gives me nightmares. And now in last three years we've finished on the podium, P2, just a few seconds from the victory.
“I love Le Mans. In last 3 years we did some great races and I’m very proud of our three podiums but it’s really time for more, hopefully. We all know Le Mans is one of the hardest races so let’s not think too much about it, lets be humble, prepare the best race car we can and see where we are after 20 Hours. Then the fight really starts.”
Is pole at Le Mans really that important? What is the main advantage of starting at the front of the LMP2 grid in such a long race?
“Let’s be honest, it was really cool to do the Pole Position at Le Mans but there isn’t a real advantage for a 24H race. It’s good for the ego and social media but I care more about having a fast race car and try to win the race. I would still say that starting at the front is often cleaner and you can avoid the early mid field chaos.
“On the other hand, Le Mans, new tyres, low fuel and no traffic is just a dream. Last year was my fifth time in Hyperpole and every time I have a big smile on my face when I jump out of the car."
So what makes Le Mans special? “Le Mans is one of my favourite tracks. I enjoy the Porsche curves, super-fast and flowing, gets even more special at night with the traffic and the tunnel vision that sets in.”
While some of the other LMP2 cars that also compete in the ELMS have changed their driver line ups for Le Mans, the AO by TF Oreca will see their regular crew of Louis Deletraz, PJ Hyett and Dane Cameron racing together. The only change is the number on the car, which will be 199 instead of 99 as a WEC car already races with that number.
“Definitely having the same line up as ELMS is great and brings consistency. As well the crew will be the same with some extra people from AO Racing joining from USA. We all know each other and can use our past experiences to build up.
“PJ and I were teammates last year already and I really enjoyed it. The conditions last year were mixed with dry, damp and super wet conditions, we saw it all and had a year to reflect on it so we should be better prepared. Having Dane with us this year is great, he’s super experienced and fast, I’m excited.”
So what is the key to getting a good result at Le Mans? “The key for a good Le Mans is step by step, make a good race car, no mistakes and reach the morning with a 100% clean car. If you manage to do this you should running at the front and then adapt depending on the situation.
“A successful result for me would be to arrive at the end of the 24 Hours without any mistakes, contacts, penalties and be proud of our race. Of course, I really want to win but I don’t want to think about it. Let’s do a perfect race and see where we are!”
