Nigel Bailly will team up with Takuma Aoki and François Heriau at the 89th 24 Hours.
He will be guided by Frédéric Sausset, the first quadruple amputee in history to finish the race
Car #84, an Oreca 07 Gibson LMP2 run by Team SRT41, will be 2021′s Garage 56 Innovation entry. Some excerpts from an interview with Belgian racer Bailly about his and the team’s efforts this year:
You have already driven the ORECA 07. What were your first impressions of the car?
"Yes, it was a year ago at the Paul Ricard circuit. I drove a car I didn't know well, but it was so developed that it seemed easy. It really is an awesome car. I didn't expect such braking. I could tell there was so much potential. ORECA did signficant development work on the car so it could be driven by reduced mobility drivers."
What modifications were made to the car for you to be able to drive it?
"There is an accelerator behind the wheel and a lever we press to brake. There is a trigger on the lever that allows us to downshift. It is a similar system to the one used by Alessandro Zanardi at the 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona. During braking phases, Takuma and I will have one hand on the wheel. Our forearms will be put to the test, but the system developed by ORECA is nonetheless comfortable."
How will you prepare for the 89th 24 Hours of Le Mans?
"We are going to do two European Le Mans Series races, the FIA WEC Prologue and another test session at the Barcelona circuit with Goodyear, our tire manufacturer. That will help us get to know the car, the team and the technical aspects. The more we hit the track, the better it will be for everyone."
What advice has Frédéric Sausset given you?
"The main advice Frédéric has given us is not to make any mistakes. And to pay attention to the other competitors and to learn because we are just starting out, especially in terms of the car. He suggested we strive for a smart race and focus on teamwork because individualism has no place in endurance racing."
below: Team Manager Sausset in his 2016 Le Mans entry
How will you prepare physically?
"I have a fitness programme that works my reflexes, muscles, peripheral vision and posture. I also do arm biking for cardio. This is what gives us stamina so we don't run out of steam during long stints. Our shoulders are more strained than those of able-bodied drivers because we use one hand on the braking phases. We know we risk being in pain during the race. We're up for it."
What message do you think a reduced mobility driver line-up at the finish of the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans would send?
"Don't let yourself be beaten. You have to dare to take on challenges. Our mental capabilities are unaffected. You just need to try as hard as you can, don't question things too much and try to make great things happen. Our message is as follows: move forward and believe in your dreams." [x]
