As the pressure and excitement builds around the LMP2 title battle at Interlagos this weekend, one man appears to be keeping icy cool. That man is Sergey Zlobin.
Zlobin is a man who knows what he wants and the only thing he has been thinking about since he stepped off the plane at Sao Paulo airport earlier this week is hunting down G-Drive Racing in the LMP2 standings. With a little help, potentially from the all-Russian crewed #37 SMP car or the KCMG ORECA-Nissan, Zlobin can become the champion on Sunday evening.
“We are in good spirits and the team are over the disappointment of Bahrain,” he said this morning. “We are ready to fight and we will give it everything.”
Zlobin has had a consistent season but his title challenge has been built upon his maximum 50-points score at Le Mans in June. However, the burly Russian, despite a non-score at Bahrain two weeks ago is pumped up for the fight ahead this weekend. What is more there is a fascinating backstory which goes back 12 years which appears to be fuelling his motivation.
“I have waited for 12 years for this because when I had a chance to be in F1 (with Minardi) there were some issues with another driver and my sponsor, so I have some principals to deal with here,” he said. “Here in Brazil, where I drove in F3000 many years ago, I feel confident we can do nice work here but then we wait to see the point’s situation.”
Zlobin paid tribute to his team mates, who have often set up podium position situations this season for the Russian’s title quest.
“With Nicolas (Minassian) and Maurizio (Mediani) in our team we always have a good chance in the race. For me the team is the most important thing. I am also the Sporting Director for SMP Racing so it is important for me we do well as a team.
Conditions will play a big factor in the race for Sergey and the #27 SMP entry, as he explains the team often perform rain dances in order to try and stay in contention with the G-Drive Ligier-Nissan.
“The Michelin tyres are so good in the wet,” continued Zlobin. “You know, we tested five days before the start of the season and it rained every day so we have very good data and lots of it to look at. We have good advantage for sure if we have rain in Brazil.”
With so many underlying narratives in the LMP2 battle, it will be Russia v Russia this weekend in a fight that is set to have many twists and turns. Like the famous Russian dolls there are stories within stories in LMP2 this weekend.
Sam Smith
