Lotus Praga LMP2 Inside: Jan Charouz

In our column “Lotus Praga LMP2 Inside” we ask our race drivers about racing, race preparation, holidays and other personal subjects. Here are the answers of Jan Charouz.

How was the race at Le Mans for you?
The race was hard for me because we were struggling with the car and the setup. I think it is a shame that we couldn’t show the true potential of the car and that we had to retire.

What did you do after Le Mans? Did you go on holidays? If yes, where did you go?
I spent a lot of time in my restaurant in Prague and came up with some great recipes, like chamomile ice cream. I will go to Marbella for some days soon.

There will be 5 races on 3 different continents now. Do you have problems with the travelling and jet lag? What do you do to avoid jet lag?
I try to arrive a couple of days earlier in order to get used to the different time zone and the climate. The travelling is difficult, but it is part of the job. This year, I will visit some locations where I haven’t been yet, so I am really looking forward to it.

Which of the remaining race are you looking forward to the most?
Probably Japan. I have never been there before and I heard the track is great fun. I am looking forward to racing there for the first time.

What is special about driving anti-clockwise like in Interlagos? Is it more difficult or do you prepare for it in a different way?
I like the track in Interlagos a lot, but it is not really more difficult. It is just important to do training on the neck muscles before as there are very long fast corners. For me it is also very special as I was participating in my first Formula One Free Practice in Interlagos.

How do you keep fit for the races? Which sports do you do and like?
I like sport in general, especially outside if possible. I do a lot of running, biking, rock climbing, wakeboarding, snowboarding and skiing in the winter.

What is your favourite music? Which music do you listen to before a race?
I have a very eclectic taste of music. Sometimes I listen to classic music like Beethoven and sometimes I listen to Daft Punk. So it is a mix of different styles of music.

Do you have any superstitions before a race?
In single seaters, I always get in the car from the left side. However, in our Lotus Praga LMP2 car this is not really possible because we are driving on the right side. So at the moment I don’t have any superstitions.

What is your favourite food?
My taste in food is a bit similar to my taste in music, a bit of everything. I like to try new things and I love local specialties.

Which car do you drive at home?
I have a Lotus Evora in team colours. But I live in the center of Prague, so I use my bike a lot for getting around.

If you wouldn’t be a race driver, which job would you have instead?
Well my second job is being exec Chef at my restaurant, but I guess it would be something that allows me to travel and not sit behind a desk every day.

Which headline would you like to read about you and Lotus Praga LMP2?
Lotus Praga LMP2 won the FIA WEC championship.

What are your goals or wishes for the next races?
Podiums!!!