The great All-Rounder: Dumas goes LMP2

He has only missed one FIA World Endurance Championship race, but everyone is delighted to see Romain Dumas back in the WEC paddock at Spa-Francorchamps.

The reigning World Endurance Champion and Le Mans winner returns this weekend with Signatech Alpine Matmut to battle in the LMP2 class in the #36 Alpine A470-Gibson.

“I am looking forward to it a lot, especially after testing the car at Monza last month,” said Dumas. “The car feels good and we have a nice balance to the team with Gustavo (Menezes) and Matt (Rao), but the competition is very strong in LMP2 this year so we have to remain humble and respectful of the opposition.”

Dumas has a wealth of experience in endurance racing stretching back to 2001 when he made his Le Mans debut. He also has experience of just about every kind of class of racing having won the 2013 Le Mans crown in a Porsche 911 RSR with Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz.

The Frenchman also has significant experience in the secondary class of prototypes having successfully raced the Penske-run Porsche RS Spyder, winning the 2008 12 Hours of Sebring among other races.

“I am proud to have driven so many different cars in my career and yes it helps with adapting quickly,” said Dumas. “These new LMP2 cars are nice to drive and with the extra power they are more exciting too for the spectators, which is important. I think we will see some great racing this year and there are several very evenly matched teams and driver pairings.

“Of course, Le Mans is a big focus for me with the team this year and we are working on getting absolutely ready for next month, so this is an ideal event for me to help the team and for us to become an even stronger squad.”