“I HAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES OF LE MANS”
Mike Di Meglio’s eyes glaze over at the mention of the 2008 French Grand Prix, when his country’s national anthem blared out at the legendary Le Mans circuit for the first time in 29 years of motorcycle World Championship racing -Guy Bertin, GP France, Le Mans 1979-. It was a victory that proved to be the catalyst to his charge to the 125cc titles and the Bugatti track remains one of his favourites – for the memories, the layout and the fact it is his home race. In the week of ahead of this year’s visit, the Mapfre Aspar man reflects on his memories of Le Mans and unveils some of its secrets.
What technical characteristics stand out about the Le Mans circuit?
I really like the Dunlop corner before the chicane, it is so fast. Le Mans is a circuit with two quite different parts – one with fast corners and the other with slow ones. It is a track I know but I don’t really know it well because I didn’t compete much in the French national series’. It is a nice track though and it is one of my favourites.
Which is your favourite corner?
I love the last two.
This is obviously your home track but is it your favourite?
No, but I do have unforgettable memories. In 2008 I won there and it was the first time in 28 years for a French rider. The fans were on their feet, I heard La Marseillaise from the top of the podium and it was a magical moment for me. Hopefully I can repeat it one day.
How did it feel to hear your national anthem at your home race?
I just lost it – I went crazy with excitement. I did five burnouts and wrecked the engine! It was my first victory of the season, my first in three years since Turkey 2005, and it was my home race. Over the last two laps I could see all the fans on their feet in the grandstands and I kept saying to myself: “Mike, stay calm, there are two laps left, breathe, don’t crash and you will win.” It was a truly magical moment.
Your best memory of Le Mans?
Without doubt that win in 2008 – it was a magnificent race.
Tell us more about the celebration…
I stopped at virtually every point on the track (laughs)! I went totally crazy, stopping in every corner to wave to the fans, sliding the bike around and revving it to the limit, even on my way into pit-lane. I wrung it so hard it wrecked the engine.
Is there any particular overtake you have done at the Bugatti circuit that sticks out?
In 2008 I passed Smith at La Chapelle and took the lead in the race, holding it until the end. Once I had passed him I knew I had to try and go for it, that I had a chance to win the race. Even with my helmet on I could hear the fans cheering and I decided I owed it to them, that I had to win it for them.
What is it like for you to race at home?
The first few years I raced there I put too much pressure on myself because I was so eager to get good results I made mistakes and cracked under the pressure. Then I started to build experience and gradually learned how to enjoy it. Now we go there with a completely new bike and a lot of motivation to get back to the front.
What goes through your mind when you see that the French Grand Prix is on the horizon?
This year I feel like we’re going there too early because we have started the season with two difficult races. I would have preferred to start the year better and to be going to Le Mans totally prepared to fight for the podium. Either way I am still highly motivated about my home race. Le Mans is a circuit I know I can be fast at because I have done it in the past.
Have you ever had the chance to visit the legendary 24 Hour race?
I haven’t actually but I bet it is a fabulous experience and I would like to go one day. It is an extremely long and demanding race and you have to have a lot of talent to even finish it. |