Q&A with Bruno Spengler: “The LMP1 car… it’s really awesome!”
In one week’s time, the FIA WEC will return to real racing for the TOTAL 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, which will take place behind closed doors.
Bruno Spengler is set to make his second appearance in the WEC joining the No. 4 ByKolles Racing Team in the Enso CLM P1/01 LMP1 car.
The French-born Canadian is no stranger to endurance racing having contested last year’s 1000 Miles of Sebring with BMW and now a regular in IMSA, as well as having raced in 24 hour races at Daytona, Spa and the Nurburgring previously. However, Spa will mark Spengler’s first ever competitive outing in LMP machinery… here’s what the former DTM Champion had to tell us in our exclusive Q&A.
1. Welcome back to the WEC, Bruno! What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming race at Spa-Francorchamps?
“For me, it’s a big challenge and that’s what I’m looking forward to the most. The LMP1 car is totally different compared to what I’m used to – it’s really awesome! Now I just need to get as much experience as I can before Le Mans in September.”
2. You recently had a test at Paul Ricard with ByKolles, how did it go and can you tell us about your first experience of the LMP1 car?
“The test went well generally, we had a couple of issues here and there but for me it was all about learning the car. I did around 90 laps which was a good start but I definitely need some more time in the cockpit. I was learning fast, but like I said, I need to adapt my driving style to suit the LMP1. Spa will be key for me to drive as much as possible before Le Mans comes round. Overall, the test was super interesting – it’s cool to keep learning and trying new machinery.”
3. What did you find most surprising about the Enso CLM P1/01, how was the feeling and how does it compare to what you have driven prevously in the likes of DTM and GT cars in IMSA?
“The biggest challenge for me was getting to grips with the downforce. The car is light and very fast, and I need to learn how to manage the corner speeds better. DTM cars also have a lot of downforce but not a lot of mechanical grip, which for me is a noticeable difference. I also need to work on adapting my corner speed and braking points.”
4. What is your experience of Spa, is it a track you know well and what do you think is key to a perfect lap?
“I spent some time at Spa with Formula Renault in the EuroCup back in the early 2000s. I also had my first 24 hour of Spa in 2015 with Alex Zanardi and Timo Glock. It was a great experience because we had a chance for the podium but unfortunately our car broke down towards the end. Key to a fast lap at Spa is not being too aggressive. The corners are high speed, so you have to be very smooth. You have to find the right entry speed and to be able to carry speed and still have a good exit. Obviously, we know that our opponents are going to be very, very fast. We’ve already seen that at Paul Ricard when we were testing that we are missing some pace but Spa will be the real test for us.”
5. September will be your first ever 24 Hours of Le Mans, how are you preparing for one of the world’s biggest and most gruelling endurance races?
“For me, getting the opportunity to race at Le Mans will be amazing and I am really looking forward to it. I’ve already done 24 hour races at Daytona, Spa and Nurburgring but 24 Hours of Le Mans has always been very high on my bucket list so I am super happy to get this opportunity. In terms of how I will prepare, I’ve got a busy schedule with BMW so that will help me on the racing front and of course I have a good simulator at home. During lockdown, I spent many, many hours on it. Obviously I have the mandatory sim session ahead of the race itself and Spa will also be great training in order for me to get more laps under my belt. I’ll try to be as ready as I can!”
You can watch Bruno Spengler and the other FIA WEC drivers in action at Spa via the official FIA WEC app. More information can be found HERE. Broadcast information and TV listings for Spa will be announced next week.
