Q&A with Loïc Duval
Frenchman Loïc Duval has been named as one of the drivers to compete with Peugeot as the marque commits to the FIA WEC’s headline Hypercar category from 2022.
Duval is already very familiar with the WEC paddock having competed in Audi’s LMP1 programme from 2012 until 2016, helping the German manufacturer claim the LMP1 championship title back in 2013.
But how does the Frenchman feel about his return to the series, FIAWEC.com reveals all below.
Hi Loïc, what does endurance racing mean for you? “It means everything to me. I have always been a big fan of team sports. In single seater racing you never have this feeling of sharing with your team-mate. Endurance racing ticks all the boxes for me in motorsport: the atmosphere, the emotion and the team spirit.”
What motivated you to join Peugeot in their comeback to endurance? “In 2008 when I joined Le Mans for the first time, I became a massive fan of the race and endurance racing as a whole. I've been lucky to drive a Peugeot in Le Mans in both 2010 and 2011. When I saw the news that Peugeot was coming back, I knew this was something I wanted to do be part of.”
If I say 24 Hours of Le Mans, what do you think of? “The grail! In motorsport, there are few races that everyone knows: Monaco F1, the Indy500, but Le Mans is the best of the best. Maybe this is because I'm French. But the challenge for the people and for the cars to be able to reach those high speeds with such consistency – this is amazing! And driving day and night is something extraordinary, too.”
What motorsport moment is most engraved into your mind? “I remember being in Le Mans with the 908 in 2010. Two hours before the end of the race, we suffered a technical failure while on our way to a podium position. It really broke my heart and was difficult to swallow. On the other hand, that is where everything started for me. Together, we have unfinished business at Le Mans and it is the time to win the race together!”
What is the best meal before a race? “A tomato mozzarella plate, with a little bit of pasta and salmon followed by a fruit salad. Not a big portion though!”
What is your best quality? “I always question myself. Constructive criticism, when I do something, I analyse how I can do it better.”