Going on holiday? What will WEC’s drivers be doing this summer…?

The summer break is for spending time with families and loved ones, and for resting and relaxing.  But, can a racing driver afford to relax for too long? 

We spoke to some of the WEC’s drivers to find out what they will be doing this summer and how they will be preparing for the 6 Hours of Mexico on 3^rd September. 

Richard Lietz, Porsche GT Team

“I will try to do nothing for three weeks and relax at home, and cycle a bit, then it gets busy.  To be fit for Mexico I am sure Porsche will keep us busy driving some race cars around the world and testing.  I think we are well prepared for Mexico as it’s not the first time now, and the best way of being used to the race car is to be in it all the time and to drive a lot.”

Ben Barker and Michael Wainwright, Gulf Racing

MW: “I am taking two weeks holiday from the end of July and keeping fit, but I didn’t find last year that the altitude in Mexico had any effect on me so I am lucky.” 

BB: “I am going to be surfing as much as possible in and around simulator work and other jobs, and getting as much rest as possible.  Then I’m going to be eating a lot of chillies to get prepared for Mexico…!"

Andy Priaulx and Harry Tincknell, Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK

AP: “I’m going to be spending lots of time on my boat in the waters around Guernsey, my home, and hopefully Harry is coming to join us too!  Mexico for me was quite tough last year, the altitude there and the heat in Austin, and it seems to work you harder so you’ve got to be very prepared.  Some of the teams last year brought oxygen to help recovery from stints.  The GT car is quite physical as it’s a heavier car and you’re working hard." 

HT: “Our air conditioning isn’t bad but I was speaking to Nick Tandy before Le Mans and he’s probably the best man to compare LMP with GTE and he said the GT cars were more physical.  A lot of people might not believe that, but it’s true.  You’re on the limit every single lap and Mexico/Austin are two of the toughest.  I know for these two races the team is looking at is going into a heat chamber and doing some altitude preparation at a university in the UK.”

Photo:  Thomas Laurent (Twitter) 

Thomas Laurent and Oliver Jarvis, Jackie Chan DC Racing

TL: “I won’t be doing anything special, but just continuing with lots of sport and taking some holidays with my family and girlfriend.  We will be going where it’s sunny!” 

OJ: “I am doing the Spa 24 Hours first of all – my rest period will be a 24-hour race!  After that I’ll get back on the bike, get fit and ready and then I’ll have a holiday after Austin…that I’m looking forward to.”