Adam Eteki (Boutsen Racing) : "I see my future in GT"

At nearly 20 years of age (on July 5), Adam Eteki have a new challenge this year by joining the GT World Challenge Europe (Endurance) in the Audi R8 LMS GT3/Boutsen Racing. This is a brand new challenge for the Parisian, who is hoping to make a name for himself in GT after having raced in LMP3. Once the karting period was over, Adam Eteki, like many of his friends, headed for Formula 4 where he finished 4th in 2018 before moving on to Porsche Carrera Cup France for two seasons. Promoted to Junior in the 2019 Cup, he was promoted to LMP3 two years later with good results at CD Sport.

With a limited budget, Adam Eteki had to be patient last year after the Asian Le Mans Series. The opportunity to join Boutsen Racing this season with Karim Ojjeh and Benjamin Lessennes in the newly formed Gold Cup put him back on track. Adam Eteki was second in his first GT3 qualifying session in Imola and made an immediate good impression. Now it's time for the Paul Ricard race before the big event of the season, the 24 Hours of Spa.

How is your season starting ?

"Boutsen Racing received its Audi shortly before the official tests, which means that it takes some time to get the measure of this new car that I don't know 100% yet. For someone like me who is just starting out in a very competitive GT3 class, the lap times are very encouraging. If you enjoy yourself in the car, you are automatically fast. Now, it shouldn't be a one-shot deal because the objective is to continue this great momentum. GT offers more opportunities because there are more manufacturers than in proto."

Are you putting the prototype aside ?

"I arrived in LMP3 at the beginning of 2021 at CD Sport with my sights set on the rest of the season in GT3, but that didn't materialise. Going to LMP2 was impossible given the budgets required. Driving for Boutsen Racing is a great opportunity for me. I know that it's not easy because I'm driving against drivers who drive a lot during the year. This year is important for me if I don't want to go too fast. I'm already going to concentrate on this season in the Gold Cup. I see my future more in GT."

You will soon discover the 24 Hours of Spa. Are you looking forward to it ?

"It's incredible and I can't wait to be in Spa. I watch this race every year and I will be at the start at the end of July. My only 24H race was at Zolder and I have very good memories of sharing it with the whole team. I can't wait to experience those moments again. I don't drive much, so it's not easy to get into the rythm straight away. This programme is unique this year."

Boutsen Racing is a great discovery ?

"My former engineer at CD Sport also works at Boutsen Racing, which made it easier to get to know them. He called me to test the car at Paul Ricard during the official tests. The team is very welcoming and professional."