24h Le Mans
Norman Nato (age 26) is getting ready to take his second start in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the wheel of the RLR Sport/Tower Events team's #43 ORECA 07-Gibson in the LMP2 class. The French driver holds a lasting memory of his first experience at the race, and has been accumulating experience to build a high-level racing career.
Last year, you were a rookie at the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of SMP Racing's Dallara P217-Gibson. What do you remember?
"I remember it fondly. I'd heard a lot about Le Mans. I was able to form my own opinion, and honestly, it's magical. There are very few experiences in this world that give you such a spectrum of feelings, so much pleasure and just as many obstacles. On and off the track, it's very complex. Nonetheless, I loved it. Unfortunately, it didn't go how I wanted and we finished 10th in LMP2 class."
Le Mans is a legendary race. When did that really sink in for you?
"Every day is different and extraordinary. The first time you do laps on this circuit is very impressive. I've been fortunate enough to participate in several top championships and to race at many circuits, but Le Mans is a whole other level. It's not just a 24-hour race, it's an intense week where everything is grandiose and I am so happy to be doing it again this year."
How is the race looking for your team?
"I don't like to predict in general but for a race like this, I really avoid it. The weather could turn out to be terrible. We're going to do our best, just like all the other teams and drivers. You have to make it to the finish line to get a good result. We're not putting undue pressure on ourselves. If we're still in the game 20 hours into the race, we'll start to take some risks. My two teammates are rookies, so they don't have unnecessarily high expectations."
After a career more geared toward single-seaters, you're now in endurance racing. What are your long-term goals?
"My goal is to join an official team. That will depend on the future regulations. If more constructors compete in endurance racing it would be good for me because I'm young and I want to continue in this discipline. I hope to be doing the 24 Hours of Le Mans for many years to come."
PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, MONDAY 10 JUNE 2019, SCRUTINEERING. Norman Nato is gearing up for his second 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the wheel of the RLR Sport/Tower Events team's #43 ORECA 07-Gibson.
