Jonathan Kennard takes part in hhis first Le Mans 24 Hours this weekend after signing a late deal to drive for the Kruse Schiller Motorsport team. Here, the former British F3 race winner talks to lola-group.com about his Le Mans dream coming true.
"I’m really excited about the race and obviously doing it with Lola, Judd and Dunlop is a really strong package. Le Mans is a race I have always wanted to be part of. I came here in 2005 as a spectator and really enjoyed the whole weekend. Five years on and I am actually on the other side of the fence and I just can’t wait until I am strapped into the Kruse-Schiller Lola-Judd LMP2 on Wednesday.
"In my eyes there are three great races in the World – the Indy 500, the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans. I am really looking forward to it and I think the team could spring a few surprises in LMP2. I’m really happy with the team mates I have got (Hideki Noda and Jean De Pourtales), they are not only fast, but they look at the bigger picture and they will act in the interest of the team. The team itself is excellent with great guys who have experience at Le Mans.
"I raced at Spa 1000kms last month and we were in 3rd and 4th all the way through until we hit problems. We have got the Judd engine and excellent tyres from Dunlop, which I think has helped us a lot this year. The age-old aim of trying to stay out of the pits and keep doing laps will be the objective for the Kruse-Schiller Lola-Judd this weekend.
"I see no reason why if we have a good run with a bit of luck going our way, why we can’t be on the podium. I am well aware that it’s a very tough category and there are some top drivers in there and some very fast cars but I think we have a reliable package in the Lola-Judd LMP2.
"I have never had the experience of racing in the dark before. I have a good pack of clear visors on board to take this week but I am looking forward to this new experience. I think I should be alright but it’s going to be about learning and absorbing everything during the night practice and see what it is all about and try and get up to speed as quickly as I can.
