LAURENT HURGON: ALL THE PRESSURE OF A QUALIFYING LAP

How do you approach a circuit like the Nürburgring?
“Since 2008 and the first record set with Mégane R26.R, Renault Sport Technologies has joined the circuit’s Industry Pool, which means that we regularly carry out tests on days reserved for car manufacturers. Nürburgring testing has become an essential step in the development of R.S. range models. I’ve driven several thousand kilometers here now, so I know the circuit by heart. But I remain as humble as ever in the face of a monument like this.”

How did you feel about the new record-setting venture?
“The pressure was certainly on, especially since the track conditions were far from ideal. When the moment comes, the concentration required is similar to that for a qualifying lap, and you have to block out everything around you. The competition between the carmakers attempting to set records is so tough that the smallest driving mistake can cost you dearly at the end of the lap! Breaking the eight-minute barrier was in no way a given, and we put in a tremendous amount of work, on the car, but also on my driving. I spent a lot of time on R.S. Replay, a simple yet extremely powerful analysis tool based on the data acquired by the R.S. Monitor 2.0. R.S. Replay can be used to obtain a great deal of information, particularly on gear changes in corners. I obviously felt proud about the new record. Beyond my own personal satisfaction, the performance benefits Renault as a whole.”

Did you do a perfect lap?
“I don’t think that’s possible at Nürburgring! The faster you go, even if it’s only for a second or two, the more you feel like you’re seeing the circuit in a new light. The corners come one after another and each one is a continuation of the last, so you’re always up against new problems. At any rate, I did my best and didn’t make any mistakes. So I’d say it was a good lap!”

Is the new record a measure of the progress made on sports cars?
“Yes, it’s amazing to think that the record set by Mégane R26.R just six years ago has been beaten by more than 23 seconds! It shows that progress has been made in all areas. Step by step, the limits are being regularly pushed back. Take engines, for example. You could say that the extra 10 hp of Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R isn’t a big deal. But that extra power allowed us to extend the torque range, and I was able to take most corners at a higher gear than three years ago. At the end, that improvement is measured in seconds.”