Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer : "WRT knows how to run things"

Going from a Porsche Cup to a GT3 is not an easy task. This is the path that Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer chose after the various Porsche Carrera Cups. With nothing left to prove in the single-make cup, the 21 year old driver switched to the GT3 category during the winter. His debut was a podium finish in the 24 Hours of Dubai in an Audi R8 LMS GT3 entered by WRT.

The next step is a double programme in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe with the Belgian team. Together with Christopher Mies in the Sprint, Benjamin Goethe and Thomas Neubauer in Endurance, "JB" has made the Belgian team happy with his work and his human qualities. The 24 Hours of Spa allowed him to reach a new stage with victory in the Silver Cup and a second place for an Audi R8 LMS GT3. The young lineup did not take any penalties during the race. Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer and his teammates will take the lead in the Silver Championship at the beginning of September in Hockenheim.

Was the acclimatisation to the 24 Hours of Spa quick?

"Not really! I was surprised by my first night laps, which didn't happen to me in Dubai. The circuit is much darker than I imagined. It took me some time to adapt. I'm lucky to be well looked after in the team and that's also part of the performance."

Did your race go smoothly?

"We had two small collisions during the night which resulted in slow punctures. We knew the race was going to be a close one, so we immediately said we had to be careful with the track limits. The advantage of driving for WRT is the experience of the whole team. We wanted to score as many points as possible in the championship, which we did in 6th place and at the finish. It was a bit more complicated at mid-race. WRT knows how to run things because everyone in the team knows the race well. Having two cars in Pro is also a plus because you can get advice from other drivers."

We felt that the Audis lacked pace in the race. Is that your opinion too?

"The Audi was never above the rest of the field and you could clearly say that it lacked performance. No Audi is in the top ten and our car in Silver is the second best placed Audi. Fighting on track was complicated."

Were you looking forward to the 24 Hours of Spa?

"I was excited about this race because I was looking forward to seeing what it was like. Luckily there was no rain as I have never driven underwater in GT3. Seeing our Audi in Superpole is good for the team and the confidence boost before the race."

What did you like about this race?

"I liked the night/day transition where I had a good pace. I felt a good grip on the track. I had four cars in front of me, including the two Ferraris in Pro. I spent my stint following them and trying to pass them. Sharing this race with my teammates was really good. The lineup is solid, all three of us get on very well with a similar performance." 

Any regrets about moving up to GT3?

"Not in the least... The Cup/GT3 transfer is already successful and it's better than I expected even if you always want more. Now I'm looking forward to taking the next step. Now we have to go for the championship."

What's it like riding in the same team as Valentino Rossi?

"We could see at the parade in the centre of Spa that he had a lot of fans. It was the same at the track. Vale is someone who brings a lot of people. When you go out into the paddock, you hear the shouts Vale, Vale, Vale. He is nice and very friendly. Motorsport is his passion, he loves everything he does. You always see him with a smile."