Jan Magnussen needs no introduction as the 49-year-old Dane has an enviable resume that includes 192 race wins, many of them at the highest level in the world of endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well IMSA and American Le Mans Series titles.
The 49-year-old Dane will join GMB Motorsport for the final two races of the season, partnering Lars Engelbrechkt Pedersen in the no88 Honda NSX GT3.
Q: How did this deal with GMB Motorsport come about?
Jan Magnussen: “Well the deal came about because Mikkel O (Pedersen) was doing something else. So, Casper Elgaard, the Team Manager, called me up and asked if I was available for the last two races. I know all these guys; I have been racing against them for a long time, but we’ve never raced together. It was a good opportunity for me to visit a couple of cool tracks with the biggest Danish team.”
Q: So, what's it like being in a fully Danish team?
JM: “It's a great programme with a big vision and it will be fun for me just to see what it is like. I’ll help out the team as much as I can with the experience that I have. Obviously with the driving, but also just working in different teams with different methods.
“For me it's just getting a feel for it. I don't know what's in store for the future, but I’m glad to be here. Going to tracks like this as always fantastic.
Q: Have you driven the Honda NSX before this weekend?
JM: “Wednesday was the first time I ever drove the Honda. It’s a good car. I don't have a lot of experience with GT3; I have some, but not a lot.It's a few years back and they have evolved a lot, a lot better than I drove last time. So, the mission here for me is to learn the car and, you know, try and get comfortable with the car. ABS is a big thing to get my head around, but it's good; I feel pretty much at home.”
Q: Lars Pedersen is still in with a chance of winning the title. Is your role this weekend to help him with a shot at the title?
JM: “Absolutely. I'm here to coach and guide; try to make sure that he has a good car for his stint and that it's fast car for when I jump in and see if I can do something in the second half of the race.”
Q: You were fastest in FP1, so it’s looking good so far?
JM: “Yes, so far, so good. Lars will qualify and he now has the bronze test to get some few more laps. But this track is a real driver's test and it's such a huge experience for anybody who comes here for the first time. It is the first time for Lars and he’s really getting the proper Spa treatment.”
Q: Looking forward to the final race at Portimão, have you raced there before?
JM: “I went there last year with the WEC in LMP2, so I have some experience of the track, but not in a GT car. So, I will have to go home and do some work in sim.”
Q: What are your thoughts on the Michelin Le Mans Cup?
JM: It's good, I'm enjoying it. Obviously, I don't have a lot of experience to go by, but so far so good. I think it's a fun championship; I wish there were a few more GT3 cars. My focus is to try and blend in with the team and do the best I can for them. Then we'll see what the future brings.”
