The 2017 version Porsche 911 RSR: "It is not 100% new because it has the chassis of a Porsche 911, even though it's modified. In terms of the engine, a fair amount of elements are new such as the suspension and the aerodynamics. So it's a new car. It drives differently than the previous version of the 911 RSR, we worked very hard to have good balance and to understand it well. We only have three races under our belts (all in the U.S. in the IMSA championship, Ed.), we do have better understanding. We are still learning given that it's a new car and there are always things that transpire but that don't happen during sessions. We still have room for improvement, even though thanks to everything we were able to put in place since the beginning of the development phase last year, we were ready at Daytona."

The first races in the U.S.: "At the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the #911 (Patrick Pilet-Dirk Werner-Frédéric Makowiecki, Ed.) finished second. In my opinion, it was hard to do better than that, the winning Ford GT was a little better than we were. With my car, the #912 (with Laurens Vanthoor and Richard Lietz, Ed.), we had a problem but climbed back well afterwards (sixth in GTLM, Ed.). At the 12 Hours of Sebring, we had another concern with our car and the #911 had a flat tire. At Long Beach, we finished third after a chaotic race with safety cars and yellow flags. Also, I took a hit at the rear and it destroyed by spoiler. In the end, in the U.S. we showed we could perform at a respectable level, but we were also unfortunate, the results were not as good as we could have achieved. Meanwhile, we claimed a podium finish twice in three races, that's good for the first year with a new car."

His 2017 program: "I did the first three rounds in the U.S. in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, but starting with the Watkins Glen round, Gianmaria Bruni will replace me. I am focused on the World Endurance Championship."

His full-time status in the FIA WEC: "I am competing in the entire [championship] for the first time. It's a world championship that includes a race like the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the cherry on top. All drivers dream of being able to do this level of championship, no matter the class. The LMGTE Pro is highly competitive with factory teams and drivers (Ferrari is represented by private teams supported by the manufacturer, Ed.), I am happy to be a part of it and proud to be at this level. If you had told me three or four years ago you're going to do the WEC with Porsche as a factory driver, I wouldn't have believed it. It's a wonderful surprise, I am thrilled Porsche has confidence in me. I am going to try and have a good season scoring points at every round."

At the 6 Hours of Silverstone, the #92 Porsche 911 he shares with Michael Christensen experienced the outbreak of a fire, quickly controlled by track marshals, forcing the team to retire (see tweet below)! 

The 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans: "The first thing is to forget about 2016. This year, we have a new car, now everyone is anticipating our return relative to our performance level. Le Mans, it's very unique because before the race and even after the qualifying sessions, it's still hard to know where you stand as compared to the competition! We saw Ford and Ferrari perform well last year, we didn't with a slightly aging car. This year, things will be better but to what degree is too difficult to tell. A lot of elements will come into account, our work, the Balance of Performance, tire management, the weather..."

His goals for the year: "When you compete in the World Endurance Championship, you have two goals, to win races, to win the championship, but especially to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans! For Porsche, it would really be something [to win in GT at Le Mans] because it hasn't happened since 2013. We know it will be difficult, but that's why we're here, to go out and fight."

Le Mans, a special event for a French driver: "This will be my third 24 Hours of Le Mans. The first time was in LMP2 in 2015 with OAK Racing (Ligier JS P2 with Chris Cumming and Laurens Vanthoor, retirement, Ed.) and the second was with Porsche in LMGTE Pro last year (with Patrick Pilet and Nick Tandy, retirement, Ed.). It is a special race, fantastic. What strikes me the most every time is the parade. There are so many people, we are tired after an hour and a half of signing autographs and taking selfies. The next day, there is the starting grid with the 'Marseillaise.' For a French driver, to take the start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is something very special. It brings up emotions you don't get anywhere else. Everyone wants to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but for a French driver, it's even more than that!"  

Photo (Copyright - Laurent Cartalade/VSA): Kévin Estre will compete in his third 24 Hours of Le Mans (at right next to his teammate Michael Christensen).