Having been the fastest LMP2 in pre-event testing and throughout the official practice sessions, Franck Mailleux was rightly disappointed not to lay claim to the LMP2 class win in Sebring. Nevertheless, Franck, together with the Signatech-Nissan team, fought for a hard earned second in class and now leads the ILMC LMP2 championship heading to the official Le Mans test in April and the next ILMC race in Spa in May.

Quick Q+A

Franck, it was a bittersweet result for Signatech-Nissan in Sebring. Talk us through it...
“It was a very enjoyable weekend at Sebring. We were aiming to be competitive from the outset but I don’t think even we expected to be quite as quick as we showed in the test and the race weekend. The Signatech car and the Nissan engine are clearly a perfect match and we made our presence felt, not only in the LMP2 class but against the whole field, which was fantastic!”

How was your first experience of the track in pre-event testing?
“I absolutely loved my first laps around Sebring; it is such an iconic track and event that it is an honour just to be part of it. We found a good set-up with the car and set a solid pace from the first day. We knew that testing would be different to the race itself. The focus on Sebring is endurance over 12 hours, not pace over one lap, so that’s what we worked hard on, both in terms of chassis, engine and tyres.”

You started the race from LMP2 pole position – was that a special moment for you?
“Starting from pole in any class is a massive achievement and it was a real privilege for me to have started the race for the team. There were a few nerves, which is usual for any big race, but I had a great start and held on to the class lead. We were actually chasing a top ten result overall with our pace. The trouble started just before halfway when Soheil had to pit with pneumatic gear selection problems. That pit stop cost us a lot and dropped us right down the field. Thanks to the quick work of the team and the overall competitiveness of the car, we were able to set a series of quick laps on my double stint to regain some of those lost positions. Even with another unscheduled trip to the pits for the same problem just a few hours before the end, we were able to finish second in LMP2.”

How important is it for you to be representing a manufacturer like Nissan?
“I am really honoured to be representing Nissan this year, and also to continue working with a team like Signature, who have become an extended part of my family, like my own sponsors Sojasun. Nissan has a huge heritage in motorsport so to be part of that is special for me. We performed well in Sebring and showed how quick we can be. At the next race, at Spa, we need to make sure our pace is consistent over the entire race and to extend our lead at the head of the ILMC LMP2 classification. Before that we have the official Le Mans test in April, where our preparations for this year’s 24 Hour race will get underway.”