Cedric Oltramare (COOL Racing) : "The Ligier JS2 R is perfect for starting out in competition"

The start of the season was not easy for the Swiss driver who had to wait until Monza to score his first points. The Italian meeting was conclusive for the Ligier JS2 R/COOL Racing driver with a victory and a second place. There are only two events left for the solo driver of the #4 Ligier, who has just broken into the top ten in the championship. The next step could well be the LMP3 category but before thinking about 2023, there is a championship to finish.

What is your assessment before the start of the season at Spa-Francorchamps?

"The balance sheet is positive recently thanks to Monza. Before that, it was complicated because I didn't finish any of the six races, two because of my own fault and four because of problems. However, the rhythm has been there since the opening of the season. This year I am focusing on driving and Monza marks my first ever victory in motorsport."

What is your background in motorsport?

"Before 2021 I hadn't raced a single race, just a bit of Caterham at Lédenon and a bit of Rotax karting in the US."

Does the Ligier European Series match your expectations?

"The Ligier JS2 R is really great to learn in. It has no ABS or traction control. I did some tests with COOL Racing on a simulator and everything went well. Alexandre Coigny, the team boss, is a friend of my family. So it was only logical that I signed up with COOL Racing. I learned a lot last season. The calendar is very good and COOL Racing is already present in the ELMS and Michelin Le Mans Cup."

Is the Ligier JS2 R easy to learn?

"As I said, the JS2 R is perfect to start racing. It is easy but you have to be very active behind the wheel. It has no aero, so you have to do everything with the mechanical grip. Also, everyone has the same car, so it's very fair because there's no BOP."

You drove on the big circuit of the 24H du Mans on the opening day of the big race. Is this enough to make you want to go higher?

"Unfortunately, the Le Mans meeting didn't go well for me because I was caught up in a collision at the start of the race. I am still not used to racing in a bunch but I must admit that it was a very nice experience to ride on a circuit."

What are your wishes for 2023?

"I recently completed my first LMP3 test with COOL Racing in Barcelona. The team is satisfied with my progress over the two days of testing. My objective is to move up to LMP3 next year with the idea of starting in the Asian Le Mans Series in order to prepare for the next stage, which could be the Michelin Le Mans Cup. COOL Racing is already running LMP3 cars, which is good for me because I have a good base to work from."