Gillian Henrion : "Despite the title, the desire to win remains the same"

If you visit Gillian Henrion's website, the first thing you'll read is clear: Hypercar objective. At 19 years old, the Frenchman knows what he wants and everything is in place so that he doesn't skip any steps. His 2022 season includes the Ligier European Series where he is already crowned with two races to go. Prior to this weekend's finale at Portimao, Gillian Henrion had won nine of the ten races and finished 10th in second place. The Team Virage driver couldn't be more successful and arrives in Portugal with less pressure but the same desire to bring home two more wins before thinking about 2023. The 150,000 euro grant awarded to the champion will enable him to take a new step in his career.

Prior to the Ligier European Series, Gillian Henrion was a kart driver before moving on to Formula 4 in 2018 and 2019. The following year will see him move into the Formula Regional European Championship as part of the family-owned GTE (Gillian Track Events) team. After a 2021 year without motorsport, this season will see him move to the Ligier European Series with the success that we know.

It's hard to imagine a better season...

After a year without competition in 2021, I wanted to make a real comeback. The first objective was FRECA but the budget was too big to raise. Then, I was approached by Franck Tiné (motorsport director Ligier Automotive) who presented me the Ligier European Series championship and the different opportunities. It was clearly the best opportunity for me. The first tests went well, which encouraged me to continue. 

The relationship with Team Virage was quickly established?

With Team Virage, I found again what I had known in karting, namely a team that makes you feel comfortable. It's good to perform well in a team but it's also very good to find the best team where you feel good.

No regrets about joining the championship?

Not in the least. The series has fully met my expectations, both in terms of organisation, meetings and driving alongside the Le Mans 24 Hours. Everything that was proposed has been delivered. The environment of the European Le Mans Series meetings is ideal to get noticed. The first step in endurance racing is perfect. There is also the possibility of racing on the Le Mans 24 Hours circuit, which is a real added value for the championship. Being in the world of this race is something very special.

And from a sporting point of view?

The battles were very good throughout the season, specially with Dimitri Enjalbert. I learned a lot throughout the season. 2022 is a great learning year for me in a new championship. Fortunately, Ligier has set up such a series which allows me to get used to it.

What is the objective in Portimao?

To finish the season with two more wins. Despite the title, the desire to win remains the same.

Are the plans for 2023 established?

We are looking at different things and we will see how the winter tests go. I do this sport to get the best results. The desire is clearly to move up to LMP3 and in the longer term to aim for a drive in a hypercar. I want to concentrate on endurance racing in prototypes. Ligier Automotive has the advantage of being present at the very beginning of the endurance pyramid. Le Mans remains the dream.

Are you studying in parallel?

Yes, because it allows me to have an additional background in addition to racing. I am studying for a Bachelor's degree in sports management. I also have a company for track events in motorsport.