Thirty years ago I did some Formula 3 training sessions, but it was already too late to become a driver! I’ve always enjoyed go-karting and still do with my family; it’s an activity that enables you to surpass your own limits without any particular consequences.
What sparked your interest?
I am fascinated by Formula 1 racing and its extreme technology, a field in which distances between competitors are measured in millimetres and the aerodynamics are extremely spectacular. But this technology tends to supersede the show itself. I’ve had a chance to drive F1 cars as well as cars in the Le Mans endurance race – and the latter give you a ground effect you don’t get in Formula 1. The extremely broad aerofoils generate very special sensations around certain curves. Our LRS partner allows me to drive the Ford Arrows car, with its short and very agile wheelbases give me confidence when negotiating hairpin bends, but I’m still very much a beginner.
What’s your finest memory?
My first ground-effect sensations around the Cygnes curve in Le Castellet, aboard a Peugeot 905. Its owner encouraged me to accelerate when coming out from the chicane despite my fears: “the faster you go, the more the car will grip the ground”. I closed my eyes a bit and I did indeed have the impression of being literally sucked up by the car.
Of which performance are you most proud?
The fact that I’ve never wrecked a car!
What would you see as the ultimate objective?
I’ve always dreamed of lining up on the starting grid of the Le Mans 24 Hours. It’s still a legendary race, but it would have been better to do it 20 years ago when amateurs still had a chance. It’s become too dangerous now.
The dream location where you would love ro race?
I was lucky enough to drive an Indycar at Miami Homestead, where the angles of the curves and the sense of the force of gravity are incredible. A chance to drive on the legendary Indy track would be fabulous. It’s the longest and most technical, and TAG Heuer is its official timekeeper.
How does this passion influence your professional life?
Not very much really, because within the framework of the experiences TAG Heuer offers its customers, I have a “duty” to take part in Formula 1, Formula 3 or CTA racing.
