No, Team Lupos isn't getting into late-80s pop covers, or into adult films where the clothes get ripped off!
It's just the watchword for the day.
With 4 Team cars there and 5 members, the Lupos arrive on site as a tight-knit group. Gauthier's black hornet has sharpened its wings, Nico's 135i has no intention of playing extra next to its big M sisters, the wild boar that is Yann's Civic Type R fully intends to feast on a few Ms, and then there's my trusty Granny E36. We've got friends there too, and Loïc without his M3K, but he'll be coaching as the day goes on.
The track is greasy, the weather suitably autumnal. But never mind, for me it's a first as a driver. And I fully intend to take it easy.
Because while the E36 is known for being controllable when sliding, I've already broken one and I don't intend to do it again here. So we stay on road PS4s; the brand-new FZ-201s won't be used all day.
I quickly feel at ease with the layout. Not that I've mastered the lines, but simply because it's very natural. You don't get caught out by arriving too fast at a corner. You can find your reference points fairly easily, and after that it's just a matter of fine-tuning. The session's E92 waits for me a bit, a chance to do a few laps together to try to follow and raise the pace. A good way to build confidence by realising the car is far more capable than you think.
The morning goes by quite quickly, a bit of time lost with an overfilled brake fluid reservoir and a pedal that got a bit longer. Once the excess was removed, it didn't bother me for the rest of the day. Also a chance to go for a lap in a very nice M2C.
While we're all eating together, the weather turns. When we get back on track, it's soaked, and it keeps going, even with a few showers that force you to overtake or keep your distance to see more clearly. The various people who came along watch my driving and give me advice.
That lets me raise the pace, mostly by putting a lot more throttle on at corner exit. Especially at the S Bleus, by really going for the outside on the exit of the second corner. And also coming out of the Dunlop chicane.
Another flaw: braking. I attack it bear-style, with good trail braking, but far too early. As a result, when it's time to turn, the front of the car isn't loaded enough because my foot is no longer on the brakes. The trail braking was useless...
By the end of the day, the major issues have been identified, and I'm looking further ahead now that I've gained confidence. Corner exits are stronger, the wheel less turned. I flirt with the car's grip limit in some corners. On PS4s, it gives plenty of warning and isn't the least bit treacherous.
All in all, very satisfied with this session, where I covered around 215 km on track. For a first time, it's a success.
On several counts, this track that scared me intimidates me much less. You need to stay on your guard, but it's far from being as tricky as I thought. Otherwise, my apprehension about the wet has disappeared. Not only did I really enjoy driving in the rain, but the car suffered less too. It was a chance to discover a bit of its dynamics, very healthy, when it lets go.
Now I can't wait to go back. Why not in the dry for a change. But still with the aim of getting rid of bad habits. The stopwatch stays in the drawer for now
Photo credits: Spyk photo + Antoni
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