Audi Sport Team Joest driver Oliver Jarvis is pumped-up for his second full season in the white-hot heat of the FIA WEC LMP1 battle this year.
The British racer believes that the level of competition in 2016 has gone up another level to reach an era of intense rivalry throughout the LMP1 field.
“The WEC is now at a level where pretty much every driver wants to sample it, which we have seen with several F1 drivers having a go in recent seasons,” said Jarvis, who will share the No.8 Audi R18 with Loic Duval and Lucas Di Grassi again this season.
“The rivalry between the three LMP1 manufacturers on all levels is super competitive. I think this year we will see even more exciting racing right at the front.”
How endurance switched on a light for Jarvis
Jarvis also recalled the time when the endurance racing world opened up to him. Many other young single-seaters have since followed his lead and switched their career focus to embrace sportscar racing.
“I went to Le Mans in 2008 as a spectator really, although I had just joined Audi,” said Jarvis. “I remember going out on to the track during the night on my own and watching the cars for hours. I stayed up all night. It definitely switched on a light for me as far as my career went.
“I learned what Le Mans and endurance racing was about and it gave me a greater appreciation. I’ll definitely go back and do that after I stop racing because it is such a wonderful event.”
Sam Smith
