A Crucial Weekend Begins for Alumitec Racing
As the NASCAR Euro Series playoffs begin, Alumitec Racing Team Principal and CEO Alain Lord Mounir discusses the importance of this decisive weekend and the expectations surrounding Raphaël Lessard, Nelson Piquet Jr. and Gianmarco Ercoli.
Q: Alain, how important is this opening weekend of the playoffs for Alumitec Racing?
Alain Lord Mounir: This is an extremely important weekend for our entire organization. When the playoffs begin, everything changes. Every position, every point and every decision can directly influence the outcome of the championship. We have worked incredibly hard throughout the season to arrive here with three highly competitive drivers, and now we must transform that preparation into results.
There is definitely pressure, but this is the kind of pressure that comes with competing at the highest level. Our objective is to remain focused, execute every detail correctly and give our drivers the best possible cars. We cannot control everything that happens on the track, but we can control our preparation, our discipline and the quality of our work.
Q: What are your expectations for Raphaël Lessard in the OPEN championship?
Alain Lord Mounir: Raphaël’s performance will be extremely important. He has already demonstrated his speed, determination and ability to win races. He is an aggressive competitor, but he also understands that during the playoffs, intelligence and consistency are just as important as outright speed.
In the OPEN championship, our objective is very clear: we want Raphaël fighting at the front and collecting the maximum number of points possible. He must remain patient, avoid unnecessary risks and take advantage of every opportunity. He has the talent and experience to deliver a major result for Alumitec Racing. We believe strongly in him.
Q: Alumitec Racing also has Nelson Piquet Jr. and Gianmarco Ercoli competing in PRO. What do you expect from them?
Alain Lord Mounir: Having Nelson and Gianmarco representing us in PRO gives the team tremendous strength. They are two exceptional drivers, but they bring different qualities to the organization.
Nelson has competed and succeeded at the highest levels of international motorsport. His experience, race intelligence and technical feedback are incredibly valuable, especially during a weekend where conditions and strategies can change quickly.
Gianmarco is one of the fastest and most determined drivers in the championship. He has already shown that he can fight for victories under enormous pressure. We expect both drivers to compete at the front and work closely with the team throughout the weekend.
Q: What message have you given the team before the first playoff race?
Alain Lord Mounir: My message is simple: believe in the work we have done and remain united. Championships are not won by one individual. They are won by drivers, engineers, mechanics and every person working together toward the same objective.
This weekend represents the beginning of the most decisive part of our season. We are entering it with ambition, confidence and enormous respect for our competitors. Raphaël, Nelson and Gianmarco are ready. The team is ready. Now it is time to perform and demonstrate what Alumitec Racing is capable of achieving.
