Mike Conway: “Being a racing driver… it’s the best job in the world!”

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The 11th instalment of the official FIA World Endurance Championship podcast features Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Mike Conway and José María López fresh from their win at Spa-Francorchamps and now in full preparation mode for next month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. The drivers also spent some time answering a variety of questions that were submitted from fans across the globe.

Lopez gave an interesting insight into the world of motorsport to one fan: “We sometimes forget how lucky we are,” admitted the Argentine. “Also in motorsport, it’s sometimes about being at the right place at the right time. Many of us have been lucky to keep racing while others haven’t – and many who truly deserve a career in it because of their talent… So motor racing is a hard sport in that sense, and it can be cruel.”

When asked about his preparation for Le Mans, he explained: “Right now, I actually feel the fittest in my whole career. I use the bike a lot as riding keeps my weight down. I’m the heaviest out of my three team-mates and when you are racing against such great drivers, giving them even a little bit of advantage is not good.  It’s going to be a different Le Mans without the fans but as soon as we are inside the car it will be the same – don’t make mistakes and be quicker than the others!”

Conway spoke at length about his journey from karting into the world of sportscars, admitting that getting into a factory team like Toyota was “a dream”. When asked about his favourite aspect of racing, he explained: “It’s driving mega cars – stuff that nobody would ever get to drive!” 

He elaborated: “We are developing really cool systems in the car and to be a part of that whole process is really awesome. It will trickle down to the road car environment one day and when you’re out there in the car, you realise it’s the best job in the world. If you can find a job you want to do every day, you’re in the right place.”

In the third and final part of this week’s WEC Talk, podcast host Martin Haven spoke to Signatech Alpine Elf team manager, Philippe Sinault. Following a dramatic accident at Spa-Francorchamps, this weekend’s ELMS round at Le Castellet and the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans it’s been an extremely busy time for the French squadwhich already has two WEC LMP2 titles under its belt. 

Philippe Signault took up the story: “In thirty years of Signatech, it was the first time we ever saw a big crash like this.  Of course, it is never a good time to happen in Spa which is just before Le Mans but Thomas Laurent is okay – that is the main thing.  For the car, it’s another story – it is a tough time. Key for Le Mans is the preparation but we are organised so we will manage it!”

Don’t forget to listen HERE and check back in one month’s time (Friday 25 September) when WEC Talk will have more exclusive interviews from drivers and key names from the world of endurance racing.

About WEC Talk

Available on various platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, CastBox, iHeart and Deezer, the WEC’s official podcast promises fans a unique insight into the exhilarating world of sportscars. 

With exclusive interviews from drivers, team members, management and legendary figures involved in endurance racing, fans across the world can get their regular sportscars fix by tuning into WEC Talk.