New LADA signing Nicolas Lapierre says he is “really excited” to make his World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) début this weekend in Japan, where he partners Rob Huff and Nicky Catsburg in the Russian team.
Lapierre was recently signed to complete the remainder of the WTCC season for LADA, replacing Dutchman Jaap van Lagen in the Vesta car.
The Frenchman has mostly raced in GT cars in recent seasons, including competing with the factory Toyota LMP1 squad in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) between 2012 and 2014.
Despite his recent focus on GTs, Lapierre insists he has always had an eye on the WTCC.
“I’ve always had a look at the WTCC races and I’m very happy to be here,” said Lapierre. “I had this opportunity from LADA to join the championship. I did a test, first in Paul Ricard in the summer, and the test went well. They offered to me to do the last four races of the season where there were no clashes [with the WEC] so I thought it was a good way to start to learn the championship.”
For Lapierre one of the biggest challenges will be to learn to cope with racing a front-wheel drive car, something he has not done previously in his career.
“I have many things to learn in this championship. The cars are very difficult compared to what I am used to driving but I am really excited to do it, and especially to start in Japan is special for me.
“I have been racing for Toyota for the last few years and I know very well the fans and I know they are very special so I am very happy to be here.”
Commenting on his first official test session at the Twin Ring Motegi, Lapierre admits he is still on a steep learning curve, after finishing the session 12th fastest, more than two seconds off the pace.
“Doing the test in the summer was something, but doing the test here with all the other drivers was something different,” added the Frenchman. “The test went well. I drove as much as possible but I still have a lot to learn on the driving style and also on the other cars.
“I need to learn who is who, get used to it, and get used to the new tyres, so it is work in progress.”