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FABIO SCHERER: “STARTING MY FIRST EVER WEC RACE ON POLE IS SURREAL”

06.05.2021

Fabio Scherer is the youngest addition to the United Autosports #22 car, defending the title this year. The young Swiss stepped out of his Audi DTM car straight into United’s Oreca Seven. It’s a big change, and he tells us all about it right before the start of the 6 Hours of Spa, his first-ever endurance race.

FABIO SCHERER: “STARTING MY FIRST EVER WEC RACE ON POLE IS SURREAL”

Fabio, Spa is your first race in the FIA WEC, and your first time in an endurance race. What’s going through your mind?

The last few years for me have been tough. Even though it was a bit of a struggle I still managed to show my skills. Without that, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to join United Autosports. I think starting with United Autosports is the best way to get into the championship, right? They are the current champions and we’re starting the race from pole position.

Fabio, Spa is your first race in the FIA WEC, and your first time in an endurance race. What’s going through your mind?

Does the fact that you’re teaming up with two endurance aces such as Phil Hanson and Filipe Albuquerque add extra pressure to perform?

During testing and free practice, my pace was really good, so I’m not worried about that in the race. I am, however, very nervous about all of the new things I have to learn in endurance. Things like Full Course Yellow procedures, the way the pitstops work, navigating traffic. There are so many new things.

Does the fact that you’re teaming up with two endurance aces such as Phil Hanson and Filipe Albuquerque add extra pressure to perform?

This is also the first time you’re sharing a car. Does that bring an extra challenge?

It’s something I still have to get used to. But I’m very comfortable adapting my driving style to the way they have set up this car already. The hardest thing for me is to get used to starting a stint on used tyres. I’m always so used to starting on a fresh set of rubber.

This is also the first time you’re sharing a car. Does that bring an extra challenge?

Can you describe the feeling you had when someone else qualified your car?

[Laughs] This was the first ever qualifying session I did while not being in the actual car. It was a very weird experience. Not in a bad way, though. I had all the confidence in the world that Filipe would do a great lap. However, I did think that it must have been so great out there pushing the car in qualifying pace.

Can you describe the feeling you had when someone else qualified your car?

After Spa there is Portimão, Monza, and then the big one, Le Mans. Are you excited?

Le Mans has been one of my childhood dreams. It’s so crazy that I already get to do it now. Especially in a winning team which is supported by Motul. Is there any better way to do your first Le Mans? I don’t think so!

After Spa there is Portimão, Monza, and then the big one, Le Mans. Are you excited?