Jean-Karl Vernay (Isotta Fraschini) : “We’re David against Goliath”
Behind the wheel of the Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH, the French driver looks forward to locking horns with the major carmakers competing in the FIA WEC’s Hypercar class.
Among the new constructors joining the greatest automotive brands on the Hypercar grid from this season on, Isotta Fraschini is something of a curiosity. The company founded in Milan, reknown for their production of luxury cars in the early 20th century, rises to revisit past glories, with the helping hand of Michelotto Engineering.
From this partnership, the Tipo 6 LMH was created. The Hypercar’s development was handed to French racing driver Jean-Karl Vernay in 2023. “It is a well-built, fast and reliable race car. Once I had the opportunity to get onboard for the first time, I instantly fell in love with it. It’s a fantastic car!”
At 36, the 2017 TCR International Series champion is making a comeback in Endurance series. The Villeurbanne-born was Peugeot Sport’s test and reserve driver for their 908 program. In 2011, he won the LMP2 title in ILMC - the FIA WEC’s forerunner - with Signatech-Nissan. Two years later, his first and only participation at the 24 Hours of Le Mans ended with the LMGTE Am class win with IMSA Performance Matmut’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR No.76. “I always wanted to return to Endurance”, adds Jean-Karl. “It is the racing series in which I feel I can perform the best and fulfill all my potential. It was crucial for me to return to Le Mans, and it will be even greater to compete in the premier class... We’re the little constructor, it is all the more motivating’
The Duqueine-run Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH No°11 is set for his competitive debut for the season-opening Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km on Saturday March 2. Before that, Jean-Karl’s young teammates - Antonio Serravalle (21) and Carl Wattana Bennett (19) - will get to grips with the Italian Hypercar during pre-season testing. “The Prologue will be very important. My teammates will benefit from the mileage. We need to make sure they hold all the cards.”
Despite the trio’s lack of competitive mileage in Endurance, Isotta Fraschini have numerous arguments to create an upset and become the Hypercar category’s trouble-makers. “Michelotto Engineering have built every Ferrari GT3 and GT3 for the past 50 years, apart from the last one (entrusted to Oreca)”, mentions Jean-Karl. “They are ultra-competent people, widely recognized for their expertise.”
Jean-Karl reckons Isotta Fraschini do not possess the same financial means of the “juggernauts” he will be facing. But the team sounds quite happy to operate under a low-profile as underdogs. “We are extremely motivated and we will fight with our weapons. Of course, we’re David against Goliath, the Little Thumbling, the little constructor and it is all the more motivating and exciting. It’s up to us to fulfill the car’s potential. We need to remain humble and clear-headed, but we promise to give our all.”
The fact a brand as renown as Isotta Fraschini rose from their ashes for an entry in the Hypercar class embodies the continued pull of the FIA WEC and the latter’s newest golden age. “The drivers’ level is amazing and we have the highest number of competing constructors in history”, rejoices Jean-Karl. “It’s so great to be a part of this.”
