Ottawa racer Zacharie Robichon has won major races of the Porsche GTD series over the past few years. But he remains relatively unknown in Canada. All of that could change this week when he kicks off the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in France, one of the most prestigious events in the world.
In the next few days, he will tackle the best Porsche drivers on the planet on the Sarthe circuit.
I’ve always wanted to join, but I didn’t expect to end up in this situation. When they confirmed my location, I couldn’t believe it. Le Mans was a dream and now it will come truelaunched the 30 -year -old pilot, obviously feverish.
The former Louis Riel school student gave up skiing as a teenager to follow in the footsteps of his father, a career enthusiast. First pilot of karting, he did his Formula 1600 classes, before driving a Porsche. He wins wherever he goes. I started late compared to many of my opponentshe explains.
” Try to tell yourself that this is just a career. But I can not. You need to take a moment to realize your luck. I must be happy! A lot of people want to come to my place, I have to do my job, but remember feeling. “
He just won the 24 Hours of Daytona, a prestigious American race, with his team at the Proton Competition and he hopes to continue this momentum in France.
Definitely a question of strategytaught the driver about the races of the three drivers. In Daytona, one of our pilots ended up around 11 pm I drove six hours. Try to play to the strength of each driver. I, for example, I don’t mind drive at night, while others like it less.
Franco-Ontarian describes himself as a careful, but brilliant pilot. I’m not taking any chances. I am able to make the right decisions. There are so many ways to be overtaken. I understand the situation wellcontinued Robichon. I am a smart runner, not flat! I am a great strategist. I am sensitive to situations.
I don’t care to overtake pits or the circuit. If I can save gas to overtake, I will. I’m here for the team, I’m always willing to compromisesaid the driver.
First class support
With his success, Robichon owes a great deal to his talent and little luck. A few years ago, when he had no tires, a team invited him to an event while waiting to find a driver with sponsors. I won the race. They don’t want to let me go anymoreremembering the young man.
Now a member of the Proton Competition, a German formation, he benefits from a seasoned team with significant resources. Actor Michael Fassbender, who starred in the X-Men film series, was a pilot on the team.
Porsche and racing together. As a manufacturer, they devote a lot of time and money to this sport. Always with support, it always puts us in a position to win. We are always ready. You always have support, this is an extraordinary teamRobichon explained. They have been racing for 70 years, they are all there to help you.
The rider won four races last year. Robichon hopes his recent success at Daytona and his involvement in racing at Le Mans will allow him to become better known at home. But most of all, he wants his sport to be better known.
I may be a well -kept secret, but the endurance career, in general, is also a secret. Motorsport fans are watching F1, Nascar or IndyCar. But the truth is there is more money spent on endurance sport than anything elseRobichon’s argument.
After Le Mans, Robichon hopes to scrape another career off his wish list: the Spa Francorchamp, in Belgium. But his results in the coming days could decide whether or not he will return to France. If he doesn’t win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Robichon will definitely want to take part in this race again.
Source: Radio-Canada
