Frenchman Norman Nato opened his, and his team, Racing Engineering’s account in the ELMS with a win in the ELMS 4 Hours of Le Castellet in their debut race alongside Olivier Pla and Paul Petit.

It was his maiden race in Endurance racing. He shared his thoughts at Monza with DSC’s Mat Fernandez about the team – Racing Engineering – and about the perspective of a career in Endurance racing.

Norman, you drove an unbelievable race at Le Castellet…

We had a great start to our season. It was my first ever race and the team’s first ever race in the ELMS. We could not dream of a better result. Racing Engineering is really efficient… I knew it already as I used to compete with this top team in GP2 [he scored two wins with them in 2016]. With that being said, we can’t be complacent… there are still five races ahead of us. We can’t lose our focus. There are still many things we can improve. For sure, we weren’t totally ready at Ricard but the team made the difference. We already work and understand each other very well, especially with my teammates… that paid off in France.

Paddock gossip suggests that Michelin is taking a lead in the LMP2 tyre war. Do you agree?

It’s not entirely true. Michelin tires seem to be performing better than Dunlops over a lap. But then, things tend to even up over a race distance. Of course, we keep an eye on what their teams are doing but most importantly, we are focusing on our race and what needs to be done.

You have tried to convert to Endurance racing for more than a year. What drove you to do this ?

I was fighting for the GP2 title in 2016. But despite being very competitive that season, I struggled to find a top single seater drive in 2017. I could not go into F1 either for obvious budgetary reasons. My goal has always been to have a career as a professional driver in motorsport and I believe that Endurance racing can help me achieve that objective. I was actually surprised when I first tested the LMP2: it’s a really fun and very fast car to drive. I believe I could have a bright future in this sport. It does not mean that I am no longer interested in single seaters. I would not say ‘no’ to a very good offer. I am looking everywhere, including in Formula E. But if nothing serious comes up, I would be more than happy to compete for the best LMP2 and LMP1 teams.

What would be the best thing that could happen to you and your team next ?

We are serious contenders for this year’s Championship. Next thing on our mind is obviously to compete in Le Mans [Racing Engineering does not have an entry in the 2018 24 Hours Of Le Mans] and to win that race.

Since Mat conducted this interview Norman has been confirmed aboard the #35 SMP Racing Dallara for the Le Mans 24 Hours alongside Viktor Shaitar and Harrison Newey. Another significant 2018 debut beckons!