Felipe Drugovich is embracing his 24 Hours of Le Mans drive this week after missing out on competing in Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix.
Speaking to the media, including Motorsport Week, having debuted in Le Mans last year, he said:
“It’s a good line-up. I really like the Le Mans team… both [drivers] have been invested from day one, so it’s a pleasure to work with them.
Drugovich was asked about lingering frustrations around missing out on a Formula 1 participation, particularly surrounding the uncertainty of Lance Stroll competing for Aston Martin at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.
“There were comments about being ‘refugees’ – I don’t think that’s fair. We’re not refugees. I just couldn’t race anymore because there wasn’t enough room. I did everything I could in F2.
“… But I’m genuinely happy. I get to race in a top category, and that’s a pleasure.
“Of course, I’d have loved to get a full-time F1 seat. But I don’t want to just replace someone. I want to earn it. That’s something I carry with me.”
Cadillac’s four-car effort at Le Mans
Aston Martin F1’s test and reserve driver Felipe Drugovich is racing with Action Express Racing’s #311 Cadillac V-Series.R Hypercar, alongside team-mates Frederik Vesti and Jack Aitken, in one of four Cadillacs racing here.
“It’s a very collective effort. We’re all in the same garage, sharing data and working to improve together.
“You can see the progress. From Sunday to now, we’ve come a lot closer to each other. That’s a good sign.”
“This is the kind of track where the car really comes alive. The Porsche Curves, especially, you feel a lot of downforce, even though it’s not an LMP1-level car.
“These high-speed corners suit the car. It was made for this track, and it’s really cool to drive it here.”
READ MORE – Aston Martin confirms Lance Stroll fit to return at F1 Canadian GP
Fair crack of the whip, this is brilliant! Thanks heaps.