Harry Tincknell is a really busy driver. The British man drives for both Ford in FIA WEC and Mazda (with the Mazda Team Joest) in IMSA. Back from the Roar before the 24 (Daytona) and before leaving for the Formula E Marrakesh Rookie Test Day (Morocco), he agreed to talk about the beginning of his season.
How were your tests at Daytona (Roar before the 24)?
“It was a good three days of testing. We have almost a brand new car and a new team with new drivers so it was all about learning and improving together. We got faster as the test went on and I was P8 in the pre qualifying session and not too far from the top 6. This shows great progress from last season and the Mazda Team Joest Guys will analyse the data and be stronger for the race I am sure.”
How do you feel inside the Mazda RT24-P? Can you describe this car?
“The car has very good downforce and an exceptionally powerful engine considering that it is 4 cylinders! Downforce is really high and you can brake very late in this car. Daytona isn’t the most exciting track in America but I have a big smile on my face in this car.”
Why did you decide to be part of the Mazda Team Joest ?
“I have been talking to John Doonan at Mazda Motorsports since 2015 and have always been keen to be involved with Mazda. They are the third most successful manufacturer in American Sportscar history and I want to create new history with them. Team Joest have won Le Mans 15 times, they are the standard that everyone aspires to be at so driving for them is a dream. Finally, I drive for Mazda’s technical partner Multimatic at Ford Chip Ganassi Racing. I know what a great chassis and suspension Multimatic provide so all three of these points helped me decide.”
About the FIA WEC 2018, how do you see the season especially with the arrival of BMW?
“It’s really exciting. It’s so hard to know what’s going to happen because BMW are coming in, Aston have a brand new car and Ferrari have an update. I think LMGTE Pro will be the most competitive and exciting class and every race win will be hotly contested.”
What is your opinion about the Super Season spread on one and a half year?
“I prefer the old way because the first part of the season is the build up to Le Mans and the second half you fight for the World Championship. Now you could win the Championship but have a bad Le Mans in the season finale walk out the track disappointed even though you are a world champion. But it’s still very exciting and after the initial reaction all the teams and drivers are on board with the new calendar. I am very happy that Silverstone remained on the calendar.”
What do you think of the new BOP in FIA WEC now?
“It’s an automatic system so it is all based on maths rather than opinion so that is better. I don’t think it is without flaws and we saw last season team’s using that to their advantage but for me it was nice to be flat out and let the computer decide what happens for the next race.”
What is your feeling about the limitation of sets of tyres in FIA WEC?
“The double stints were very tough at times, especially at high degradation tracks like Bahrain and Shanghai. As a driver it was easier with 6 sets, but it probably offers more strategy now which mixes the field up and creates more overtaking and close racing.”
What are your different objectives for the 2018 season in both championships?
“With Ford I really want to be World Champion. The Ford GT is such a fantastic car and really deserves it. For that to happen I think we need to win Le Mans at least once and that of course would be very special. In IMSA I think we have to learn in the first couple of races but I am very sure we will have some very strong races. If we can be reliable and constant at Daytona and Sebring, we will have a chance to fight for the championship at the end of the year.”
