Interview with Tomàš Enge LMS Champion

Tomàš Enge needs no introduction and has been a permanent fixture in the Aston Martin Racing team for some time now. Newly re-located in the UK, the 2009 Le Mans Series Champion catches up with Carrie Millington, Gulf Oil International's Account Manager at Aston Martin Racing.

Q. How does it feel to win the Le Mans Series title?

Q. You have been driving for Aston Martin Racing for four years now. How does it feel driving for such a prestigious team?

I've been with Aston Martin Racing since the beginning of the current race programme in 2005. The whole time I have had a very strong relationship with the team. We have managed to compete at the highest levels and achieve some simply great results together in endurance racing.

Q. Are you pleased with the way that the LMP1 car has been developed this year?

Yes I am very pleased. This year's car was developed from the 2008 LMP1 car that Aston Martin Racing ran with Charouz Racing System last year. There have been significant changes and a lot of improvements on last year's car to make this year's even faster and more reliable. Both of these elements played an extremely important part in the victory this year.

In my opinion, the key to winning the Le Mans Series this year was reliability. This was no doubt our strongest area.

Q. Do you prefer sports cars or rally cars?

The Aston Martin Racing programme is my primary concern. It is where my heart and passion lie. However, rallying is definitely great fun.

Q. How did you start in motorsport?

I grew up in a racing family. My father has had over 20 years' of racing experience. I originally started in karts and went through various formula cars, including F1 with Prost GP. There are very few race cars that I have not driven. I have experience in DTM, V8 Supercars, F1, F3000, A1, endurance racing - LMP, GT and have raced at Le Mans eight times.

Q. What's your best racing moment to date?

Definitely winning the Le Mans Series title this year. Winning the Formula Ford championship in 1995 comes a close second! Overall I am very proud of my five pole positions at Le Mans, three of which were with Prodrive in the Ferrari 550 and two with Aston Martin Racing.

Q. Now that you are based in the UK is it easier being closer to the team?

Definitely. I moved to the UK at the beginning of 2009 and am spending more time with the team. It has improved my knowledge and understanding of the LMP1 car this year as I have worked so closely with the team on preparing and setting up the car.

Q. You have been participating in some rallying, are you planning on some more rally activity this year?

Yes I still have two rallies to go, both in the Czech Republic. I am currently competing in a Mitsubishi Evo 9 powered by compressed natural gas. It is a unique car in Europe run by Charouz Racing System. We are working very hard together trying to develop this car and improve it to equal the current petrol Group N cars.

The car this year is already in good shape and has enabled me to win a stage. This has been a particularly exciting challenge and something that I enjoy.

Q. What's the hardest thing about being a driver?

For me the hardest thing is to get used to the extensive travelling. Getting used to the different time zones in short periods of time and trying to stay focused 100% over a race weekend is extremely tough. As a driver, experience is built up over many years, however your body has to get used to and adapt to different temperatures and conditions quickly.