One of a host of young and talented ex-single-seater drivers to have emerged in the WEC this season, Stéphane Richelmi has enjoyed a stellar start with three wins from four races so far.
Along with Nicolas Lapierre and Gustavo Menezes, the Monégasque has shown flair in the Signatech Alpine-Nissan LMP2 car and enjoys a healthy lead in the points’ standings for the category.
Stéphane spoke to us from his Monaco home as he starts preparations for the busy final half of the season.
What is the first sport you remember playing/competing in?
“Actually I wasn’t involved a lot in sport as a kid. I started playing tennis around when I was five years old but without any target, just because we needed to choose a sporting activity once a week. I also played Basketball for one year but didn’t like it so much.”
When did you first remember bring at a race track and what event was it?
“It was pretty easy for me to come to a race track as the track was coming to me! Indeed I live in Monaco and to be precise, I was living five minutes’ walk from the pits. To be honest I don’t remember which year exactly I have seen for real the cars, but I don’t have any memories when the McLarens were red and white, only when they were silver (from 1997 onwards)! As a child I remember more going on rallies as my father was competing in them.”
Photo: Wikipedia - Monaco 2013
If you could have become a professional in any other sport what would it be?
“I have never thought about it before! I like training to be fit and I like many sports, I’m also interested in many things that I wish I can do later in my life. Okay, I would say skiing: speed, precision and adrenaline, that’s quite normal for a racing driver!”
Which sports stars outside of Motorsport do you most admire?
“I really admire Roger Federer. I follow his results wherever I am and feel more pressure each time he advances in a tournament! I love his spirit and seeing him play. Hopefully he will be able to be back stronger next year.”
Photo: Roger-Federer.org
Which sporting venue other than a race circuit would you like to visit?
“I wish I could go to a Red Bull Air Race, it looks awesome and crazy.”
Which circuits that aren't on the FIA WEC calendar would you most like to drive the
Signatech Alpine LMP2 car on?
“I think we are pretty lucky to drive only on great tracks but I guess Barcelona is a proper track for our kind of rocket.”
Photo: Lemans.org - start of the 1969 24 Hours of Le Mans
If you could share the Signatech cockpit with two racing heroes from the past who would they be?
“It would be Ayrton Senna because as many drivers, even if I have never seen him driving, he’s an idol and I would also say Jacky Ickx because he has a great endurance racing experience and showed huge mental strength when he started to walk towards his car instead of running at the 1969 Le Mans start. He dared to do this although he was young and it was maybe his first official contract. Impressive!”
Did you ever go to endurance races as a spectator, if so what memories do you have?
“No never… I have always been interested but I never went. Anyway, now I prefer to race than to watch!”
