Memories of Le Mans: Alessandro Pier Guidi
In the run-up to 24 Hours of Le Mans – the penultimate round of FIA WEC Season 8 which takes place from 19-20 September - we quizzed various WEC drivers about their past experiences from the legendary event.
Last in our series, we hear from AF Corse Ferrari’s Alessandro Pier Guidi who will contest his fifth Le Mans this year. The Italian will also make a bid to retain his crown after winning last year’s Le Mans LMGTE Pro category in the Ferrari 488 GTE Evo alongside James Calado and Daniel Serra.
Hi Alessandro, what is your first memory of Le Mans?
“It was when I was a child and I was racing karts. My father and I were fans of F1 and I also remember that Le Mans was a big fixture in the motorsport calendar. Unfortunately, it was harder to watch Le Mans on TV than it is nowadays, but we were always trying to find out news from the event.”
And what is your favourite memory of competing there?
“That’s easy - definitely last year when I won with James [Calado] and Daniel [Serra]. I wanted it so, so much! We all worked very hard for the win and I will always carry that feeling with me.”
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What's your favourite section of the circuit and why?
“My favourite part is the section that includes Indianapolis and Arnage. This is a corner which needs to be tackled at very high speed followed by demanding braking. I also think it's one of the points n the track where the driver can make a difference.”
What is key to the perfect lap at Le Mans?
“Key is to have a car perfectly balanced between top speed which is very important but with the right load for the driving and braking parts. You have to maximise braking and cornering given the length of the subsequent straights.”
If you could go back in time and choose to compete in Le Mans in any year, what would it be and why?
“I'd probably choose the sixties to compete for overall victory in a Ferrari.”
If you could choose any two team-mates (dead or alive), to compete at Le Mans with who would they be and why?
“Honestly, I think I would go back to the sixties with James and Daniel to match ourselves against the drivers of that era and to really see who was better. I don't know if the guys would agree to climb into those cars though!”
Click HERE to read Buemi’s memories, HERE for Albuquerque, HERE for Keating and HERE for Lietz.
