Abdulaziz Turki Al Faisal. Le Mans 24hrs 2012. The Building Tension

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Predictions then are somewhat difficult. Obviously the Prospeed guys want that elusive podium, but Le Mans is nothing if not unpredictable. Going hell for leather early on will showcase the team’s outright speed, but will ultimately land the team with bigger problems.

“You can never predict the 24hrs! I learnt that with the Dubai 24hrs. Y’know I’ve been there, seconds, thirds, fourths, but never on top. Every year we come well prepared and determined as a team, but you can’t guarantee a result. No-one can predict what’s going to happen in 24hrs, because a lot of things can happen, a lot of different [things] are needed, and then there’s Le Mans itself, which I think is one of the toughest race tracks there is, simply because of the high speeds and the variations of corners. The concentration required is so high too. So all in all, it’s one of the toughest races. Man and machine have to work together, and for a full twenty-four hours.”

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We hope to grab a few more words with Abdulaziz during the course of the weekend. Needless to say, we’ve got our fingers crossed for the former FIA GT3 European Champion, as has Saudi Arabia. But there’s still some stiff competition to face before a good result is in the bag.

“In the Pro-Am there’s the Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche and we came in second. There’s also the Aston Martins that I think will be strong in the Pro-Am category. But at the end of the day you don’t know who’s going flat out and who’s being conservative. That’s why I say when the first six hours are done then the race starts to take shape and you start to see who’s on what pace. Really a qualifying lap when we’re talking about a 24hrs race really doesn’t count that much. I think it’s very prestigious to get pole position, obviously, but there’s much more to the race.”

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Even despite the pressure yet to come, it’s good to see that the butterflies are waning. As Abdulaziz wanders back to the team garage, he is all too aware just how significant the stage on which he will soon be racing is.

“Last year it was a dream come true. To finally be on the grid at Le Mans. I remember watching the videos of old races and the movie too, and really wanting to be one of the drivers there. And because this year I’m much more prepared, the feeling’s even better! And Le Mans is such a famous race that everyone is going to be watching. I just feel so extremely privileged and lucky to be here. We’ve worked really hard to get here and finally we’re in one of the biggest races in the world. It’s such a special feeling. For sure I’ll be looking to make the most of this opportunity!”