13th March 2012

“We’re hoping to get companies to come and join us”
Le Mans driver, Bastien Brière, is one of the surprise entries for the 2012 Le Mans 24 hours with his friend Thomas Dagoneau and he is hoping to race in his favourite event for the fourth time.

When did the project get under way?
“Exactly a year ago when I met Dominique Payen (the Opti-France President) in one of the hospitality units at the Le Mans 24 Hours. I told him about my project of creating a 100% Sarthe team, and getting a certain number of companies in the region to come and join us around this idea. He was interested by this synergy straight away, and since then we’ve seen each other regularly to get the project up and running.”

How did you choose the team for your project?
“By listing all the people who had a serious project in mind for Le Mans and for the ELMS. Then we set a certain number of criteria, financial etc., and the Boutsen-Ginion Racing squad managed by Olivier Lainé was the one that we chose because of its professionalism, and also its family side, which is very important to us.”

What’s your next big step?
“We’ve booked a private evening on 15th March in the Le Mans Chamber of Commerce for a presentation. We’ve invited 1700 guests and if fifty deciders become involved in our project, we’ll be very pleased.”  

Text: Michel Bonté – Photo: DR