Nyck De Vries has won at every level he has competed in, with multiple kart championships, culminating in the 2011 CIK-FIA World Championship title, before switching to cars. The 2014 Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup title was followed five years later by the FIA Formula 2 Championship title in 2019.
A year later the 26-year-old driver from Sneek, which is situated 130km North East of Amsterdam, dipped his toe into Endurance Racing. He took part in three ELMS races with G-Drive Racing, scoring two podiums, including a win in Portimão, alongside Mikkel Jensen and Roman Rusinov, as well as racing in the World Endurance Championship with Racing Team Nederland.
The 2021 season has already got off to a great start for Nyck De Vries after taking victory in the season opening race of the FIA Formula E World Championship in Saudi Arabia and he is now preparing for a full season in the 2021 European Le Mans Series with G-Drive Racing.
Nyck, welcome back to the European Le Mans Series. What are the main reasons that makes the ELMS a series that you, as a driver, want to compete in?
NDV: “I strongly believe the European Le Mans Series is the most competitive of all the international sportscar championships, as it perennially attracts large grids of cars and talented drivers who have very successful careers. As a team, G-Drive Racing operated by Algarve Pro Racing is seeking the highest level of competition to prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and that’s what the ELMS provides.”
You are racing with G Drive Racing again, but this year it will be with the support of Algarve Pro Racing. Tell us your thoughts about the team and your teammates Roman Rusinov and Franco Colapinto.
NDV: “G-Drive Racing has a great history and an impressive CV, and it has always been a consistent threat for race wins with Roman (Rusinov) as the lead driver and the main man behind the project. Algarve Pro Racing, while less established than some teams, has certainly proven itself in the Asian Le Mans Series, ELMS and 24 Hours of Le Mans, and I’m in no doubt that it is capable of providing the same competitive package we need to succeed in the 2021 ELMS.”
LMP2 is ultra competitive, with 16 full season entries. In 2020 you scored a win and a second-place finish in the ELMS, so what are the goals for the 2021 season for yourself and for the team?
NDV: “It’s no secret that we’re racing to win – that’s our clear target and objective. I believe we have the whole package, but we will still have to focus hard and execute well to be successful. I’m just looking forward to getting back on the track and starting the fight!”
We are heading to Barcelona for the opening race of the season. What are your favourite parts of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya?
NDV: “Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a very familiar track for everyone in the European racing scene because it’s visited by a lot of championships and is used heavily for testing. It’s a very complete track that includes high, medium and low-speed corners and degradation is high, with sectors that are hard on the rear tyres and other parts that stress the front-left. As a result, it’s a great opportunity to gauge where you stand against the opposition. If you have a strong package in Barcelona, you should be fast everywhere.”
Of the six events on the 2021 ELMS calendar, which one are you looking forward to the most and why?
“The 24 Hours of Le Mans is definitely the race I’m most excited about, but I cannot wait to get the ELMS season started in Barcelona. Getting back on-track with G-Drive Racing operated by Algarve Pro Racing and my teammates is a really exciting prospect!”
