#32 Le Mans Driver Crew
Nico Jamin
DOB: 5th December 1995
Born: Rouen, France
Twitter: @nico_jamin
Instagram: @nico.jamin
Last Le Mans 24 Hours: 2020
Best Le Mans result: 3rd in LMP2 (2020)
How and why did you get into motorsport? I have always watched F1 on TV from a young age. I used to play tennis at a pretty competitive level until age 13. I then injured my knees and couldn't play as much anymore. My dad started racing for fun as a gentleman driver and that's how I was brought into racing paddocks initially and got hooked right away. My parents bought me my first go kart at age 14 and that's where it all started.
Who is your favourite driver and why? Ayrton Senna. I have never had the chance to watch him race but I have watched documentaries, read about him, his life and his career and he is truly inspiring.
What is your favourite racetrack and why? Mid Ohio in America. I'm not sure why. The track is just really cool, lots of pretty quick corners, elevations with blind corners, no room for error. It's a very exciting track. Also the fact that I won a lot of races there helps it be at the top of the list.
What is your best racing memory and why? It's tough to choose one. Winning at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was very special; but also finishing on the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020. The top step in Le Mans would definitely take the lead though.
What is your greatest racing achievement to date? For sure the podium in le Mans is one. 2015 was also really cool when I won the USF2000 championship in America, and broke the all-time record for wins and pole positions in a season. That was a big turning point in my career.
Do you have any secret talents or anything that would surprise us about you? I don't think it's a secret, but I do play golf a LOT. I might look into a golf career if anything goes wrong in motorsport!
Do you have any pre-Le Mans rituals? Nope, I'm not really a ritual kind of guy
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Jonathan Aberdein
DOB: 14th February 1998
Born: Cape Town, South Africa
Twitter: @J_Aberdein
Instagram: @ J_Aberdein
How and why did you get into motorsport? My father was a racing driver, so I basically grew up at the racetrack. As a small kid you see these incredible machines driving around at mind-boggling speeds and think that that is just the coolest thing ever. Naturally that’s the career path I chose.
Who is your favourite driver and why? Phil Hanson because of his great smile.
What is your favourite racetrack and why? At the moment my favourite race track is Spa.. but I have a strange feeling that is going to change after driving Le Mans.
What is your best racing memory and why? It has to be the first time I drove a DTM car. It was something that I dreamed of and worked towards from the first time I jumped into a Go-Kart. It was an incredible feeling and something that will stay with me forever.
What is your greatest racing achievement to date? It’s a bit of a strange one. I’ve won races and championships but my greatest achievement is driving for BMW in DTM. To represent such an iconic brand in and incredible championship was something very special.
How have you been preparing for your first 24-hour race? I’ve been training my right foot to keep it flat on the accelerator pedal for the entire Mulsanne straight..
What advice have people given you ahead of the race? The race is won in the last 6 hours and not the first 18.
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Manuel Maldonado
DOB: 5th October 1999
Born: Maracay, Venezuela
Twitter: @Manu33Maldonado
Instagram: @manuel_maldonado33
How and why did you get into motorsport? I grew up watching my cousin race when I was younger. I went to his races and eventually my father took me to a karting track back home in Marcay where it all started.
Who is your favourite driver and why? James Hunt, absolute legend.
What is your favourite racetrack and why? Spa-Francorchamps - it just feels like a rollercoaster.
What is your best racing memory and why? It would have to be Asian Le Mans Series with United at the beginning of the year. I think that having so many races compacted together is always cool and winning three races and the championship made it just even better.
What is your greatest racing achievement to date? Winning the Asian Le Mans Series.
How have you been preparing for your first 24-hour race? I have been focusing a lot on my training, enjoying a lot of cycling rides especially with the nice weather in the UK at the moment as well as simulator sessions with Synergy.
What advice have people given you ahead of the race? There has been so much advice from various different people but the one they all say is to enjoy it. I am fortunate enough to be able to do the greatest race in the world, so I am very grateful for this opportunity.