How was the start of the ELMS season with Formula Racing?

“We came fifth in LM GTE at Silverstone, which is never an easy circuit. Then I made a mistake at Imola and crashed out on the Saturday morning, which prevented us from running the race. I hadn’t ever done anything like that in four years, but that’s racing, these things happen. There are three rounds left but I’ll only do two as the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship clashes with Le Castellet. Formula Racing won the European Le Mans Series last year. It won’t be easy to hold on to the title but we’ll do our best.”

So, you did Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time ever this year. How was that?

“It was incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like it. It’s something unique. It’s the élite of teams and drivers, the organisation is great and the fans are super. There are so many Danes! I hope to be back. It’s something I’d like to do again.”

How was the race for you?

“I was very happy with the result. We had a little error in the beginning which unfortunately cost us five laps. But other than that, we fought back to sixth place. To finish and to finish in sixth place was great. I’m really happy with that.”

What struck you most about the whole event?

“I would say the drivers parade is definitely something incredible. I had the stint where I drove into the night and that was amazing. The track is spectacular. I was so impressed with what they do, how well the track is prepared and repaired. Now I understand why racing drivers always say they want to do Le Mans again. It’s one of the toughest races to participate in because everyone wants to be there! There’s lots of demand.”

You were one of two women on the grid of the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year. Does that mean something to you or is it of no importance?

“It is important. I do care in the sense that it’s special to be making history, especially Danish history because I’m the first Danish woman to drive here. Also I think women might see this as something inspirational and I’m happy about that too.  But then, just for me personally, I’m a driver, I do my job. I’m happy to be here with the boys. When we’re behind the wheel, you can’t tell if it’s Johnny [Laursen], Mikkel [Jensen] or me, and that’s what counts, there’s no difference.”

Is it special for you to represent Denmark, a country with a great track record in motorsports?

“Yes! The history is quite something. There are so many good drivers: Tom Kristensen, Jan Magnussen, John Nielsen...my Dad! [Lars-Erik Nielsen] He got three podium finishes. There’s a family tradition I need to pass on hopefully.  There was a big press conference before Le Mans, with all eight Danish drivers going to the race. That’s when I realised how big this is. Jan Magnussen is sort of our national captain. He’s a great driver, an excellent ambassador, a good person. He races in America too and I sometimes ask him for advice when I see him over there.”

You also drive in the USA - a Ferrari 488 GT3 in GTD.

“Yes! We’re doing well in the IMSA championship. My codriver Alessandro Balzan and I are leading the field by 13 points. We’ve won twice: the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen. We’re aiming for the title at the end of the season.”