Nicolas Varrone is at the end of his first full season in the Michelin Le Mans Cup with Rinaldi Racing. The Argentine driver is currently second in the LMP3 standings with his German teammate Alexander Mattschull, just 11 points behind the championship leaders Colin Noble and Tony Wells.
We caught up with Nico after the first practice session of the final weekend of the 2021 season in Portimão.
Q: How would you sum up your first full season in the Michelin Le Mans Cup?
“It’s been a really tough season since the beginning. In the first round in Barcelona, we struggled a lot with the car and everything.We only confirmed the entry just two weeks before the season start.It was always difficult with no testing but from Le Mans we worked really well within the Rinaldi Racing team, and we improve the car a lot. Now we are fighting for the championship, which is unbelievable.”
Q: You are challenging for the LMP3 title this weekend and you and Alexander are only 11 points behind Colin Noble and Tony Wells.What is the plan for this weekend’s race in Portugal?
“The plan is like always, in testing we try different things and qualifying pace is good. Alex has to take the qualifying, which is a positive point.We are now working for the race, which was probably our weakest point this year.We will give our best like every race and see where we end up.”
Q: You and Alexander have scored three second places so far, including two at Road to Le Mans in August.Do you think the first victory is achievable this weekend in Portimão?
“It would be a nice place to do it and we need the points, so a win would be ideal.I think it will be difficult because we have the bronze penalty of 50 seconds. But in these races so many things can happen, so until the flag comes down, I will not give up; we’ll go for it!”
Q: What are your plans for the 2022 season?Is Endurance Racing something you would like to continue?
“For sure!I am enjoying Endurance Racing a lot, I think it is my way to keep going. I don’t have anything yet for next season, but it is still only October, so we have to analyse some things.For the future, my goal is to get to Hypercar; that would be the dream. To be a factory driver and to be in the top class at Le Mans would be the dream.”
