2024.10.19

Catch Up_01： Lilou Wadoux （No.45 PONOS FERRARI 296）

 

 

【Catch Up_01】
Highly-spirited young female driver

 

Lilou Wadoux made her way through to a debut in SUPER GT this season. She captured a second place, which was the first such experience for the team, at the previous Round 6 SUGO and also became the first woman driver to be on the podium in SUPER GT. The 23-year-old stepped up to circuit racing from karting in 2017. Wadoux's ability as a race driver was quickly proven by herself with a win in the LM GTE Am class less than a year after her debut in the 2022-season of WEC (World Endurance Championship).

At SUGO, she showed aggressive driving, both offensively and defensively, after taking the lead. There must be increasing number of SUPER GT fans who are allured with the French driver's driving style that provides many excitements. In the interview, Wadoux shared her determination for the final phase of the season.

 

 

No.45 PONOS FERRARI 296
Lilou Wadoux

 

I will fight for the podium again!

 

 

 

 

── There must be many reactions to your first podium-finish at SUGO.

"I was so happy to finish on the podium for the first time in SUPER GT at the previous race in SUGO. It was even difficult to be in the top 10 in past races, so it was a good outcome for the team, very good overall. The weather was not so good during the race, but we were able to fight strongly, thanks to the Michelin tires we used. Consequently, I was really happy to mark a record of being the first woman in SUPER GT to finish on the podium. I will work hard so that I can continue to produce same performance. 　I received many messages in SNS for capturing podium. I want more people to know how I'm performing in Japanese racing, and I think it was good that I showed even a woman driver can fight on the same 'battlefield'. I will continue to try to show the best performance as much as possible. I always give everything I have in not only SUPER GT but in any race. Because that is what I do for living! "

 

 

 

 

── This will be your first Autopolis. Are you prepared for it?

"It is the first time racing at Autopolis, but I used simulator, of course. I got a pretty good feeling in there, but it's still unknown until I actually drive because there is difference from the actual track. It seemed to be a challenge circuit, but, again, I need to actually drive... that is my honest feeling."


── Time passes fast and there are only 3 races remaining including upcoming one. Can you share with us what you have as a goal in your mind?

"I hope I can show good driving and performance in the final phase of the season and also next year. I believe not only myself but also the car and team are getting prepared firmly, getting better step after step, and things are getting settled for us to fight a good battle. Of course, I will envision the podium in my mind as I take on the battle. We as a team shall keep our trust in ourselves that we will have a chance to stand on the podium again."


── By the way. In Japan, a phrase, 'autumn appetite', is used frequently during this time of the season. What is your favorite Japanese food?

"Ahh... actually, I don't know that much. I like meat. [she smiles] Especially, Yakiniku (grilled meat). I tried pasta in Tokyo, but the sauce was different from what I was expecting. For now, I don't feel like trying many different things. [smile]"

 

 

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