After another two Super Formula races on the Fuji Speedway in which Loïc Duval scored a third and fourth place, the French driver still leads the drivers’ championship.

Loïc, how the weekend go?LD: “Not too badly, really. I’d have liked to be more competitive and go for the win, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible. From the very start I didn’t feel at home in the car. Although we made a lot of setup modifications during practice, we didn’t manage to put our finger on the problem. It’s a pity as even if Fuji isn’t one of my favourite circuits I’m generally pretty quick there.”

Did qualifying decide the outcome of the two races?LD: “Yes and no. Yes as I was on the front row for the start of race 1. We managed to make the best of the first session. On the other hand, in qualifying for race 2 I set my quickest time of the weekend but it only gave me fifth place on the grid. With two very short races I knew that the start would be decisive.

Did you concentrate on this phase of the race?LD: “Yes, and it’s infuriating. In all my simulations I set very good times: barely two seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. I arrived on the grid well prepared and yet my two starts were disastrous! But that’s racing.”

You’ve just come back from Japan. What’s your programme right now?“It’ll be flat out for Le Mans. This race is clearly the no. 1 objective of the year for Audi and for my team-mates Lucas di Grassi and Tom Kristensen. This year’ event is going to an exceptional spectacle. I’m going to do a lot of physical fitness training and a few media operations too. Coming back to this magic place with the number 1 will be something really exceptional!”