Driver of the reigning World Endurance Champion team FCC TSR Honda France, Freddy has just started the new season masterfully by winning the first race, the Bol d'Or, with Mike di Meglio and Joshua Hook.
Just like his twin brother Kenny, Freddy was born on August 2, 1984 in Sèvre. After being impatient for a few years, their father Jean (82 Grands Prix under his belt) entered them in the 125 Open within, of course, the Foray Racing Team. Freddy subsequently became World Endurance Champion in 2010 and 2011 with Vincent Philippe on Suzuki, then in 2017-2018 with FCC TSR Honda France (team title, not drivers).
He was also winner of the Bol d'Or in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2018 with Vincent Philippe, Olivier Four, Guillaume Dietrich, Anthony Delhalle, Josh Hook and Mike Di Meglio on Suzuki then Honda, as well as the 24H Motos in 2012 and 2018 with Julien Da Costa, Grégory Leblanc, Josh Hook and Alan Techer on Kawasaki then Honda.
You recently (mid-December) tested the new Honda intended for the 24-hour races in Okayama, with Mike di Meglio. Did that give you confidence for the next 24H Motos at Le Mans?
“We haven't really driven the final version because we mainly developed the electronics that will adapt to the new CBR. This is something very positive, because it was already efficient on the old bike and it is even more efficient on the new one. It's really interesting.
“For everything concerning the chassis, we are going to keep the same as the one we used in the 8 hour races, so it will not change us a lot in terms of the chassis part. The new features regarding the engine and electronics made us eager to drive at Le Mans at the beginning of March to compare and see what it will be like. »
For the Championship final at the Suzuka 8H, you will have a CBR1000RR SP2 that is almost identical to the factory bike. Is this a good advantage over your opponents in the World Championship?
“Last year we already had excellent equipment for 8 hours from Suzuka. We were riding with the GMT and we could fight against them without taking any risks, while they had the knife to their throat! That, of course, is a clear advantage. Now, if tomorrow we have to fight against YART, they have a package that is very good, perhaps like ours. »
Closer to the factory than the GMT?
" Yes it's sure. SERT also has a good bike. What also makes the difference there are the tires. You have an advantage in Bridgestone. But on the other hand in previous years, for example at the Bol, it was not necessarily an advantage to have Bridgestone. It all balances out. »
In the second part of this interview, Freddy will talk to us this Sunday about his opponents, the upcoming races, as well as his training.
Video: Honda Thanks Day 2018
Photos © TSR/Technical Sports Racing, taken from Freddy's Facebook page
