Loic Duval previews upcoming WEC round in Belgium

This weekend’s WEC round in Belgium a few weeks before the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours will provide the teams with the opportunity to hone their weapons for the blue riband event of the endurance year.

Loïc how are you feeling as the Spa-Francorchamps race approaches?
LD: “I’ll have a double objective. Firstly, we’ll have to make up for our slip-up at Silverstone and bag a big haul of points. I think we have good reason to be optimistic as the Audi was one of the quickest cars at the English race. Then it’s a general rehearsal for Le Mans. Tom, Lucas and I can make the final adjustments before one of the biggest events of the year.”

Is it too early to talk about a hierarchy between Audi, Toyota and Porsche?
LD: “Yes, it is, especially as each team and each car have their strong points and their objectives. Some are aiming for Le Mans in particular, while others are thinking about the championship as a whole. Honestly it’s still very open.”

How do you prepare for Le Mans on a circuit like Spa-Francorchamps?
LD: “Audi has decided to run three cars. Two will be in Spa aero spec while the third will be in Le Mans aero setup.”

What could be the result of such an approach?
LD: “The no. 3 Audi doesn’t have a lot of aero downforce so it could be very quick over a single lap. On the other hand in a car with more aero load, my no. 1 car and the no.2 Audi should be easier on its tyres during the race itself. It’ll be very exciting.”

Do you feel extra pressure after your low-key debut?
LD: “It’s quite the opposite! I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and have fun on one of the most technical circuits in the world. Of course, the weather could again put the cat among the pigeons. At Spa that’s one of the givens! The main risk will come from the tail-enders, which you have to pass at the right moment as certain sections of corners don’t give you that possibility and you can easily lose a few seconds. It’s going to be pretty spectacular!”

Loic Duval