Deletraz Hoping to “Build Something Together” With WTR

Louis Deletraz is hoping to foster a long-term relationship with Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport beyond his role as third driver for the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds.

Deletraz was signed WTR with Andretti’s No. 10 Acura ARX-06 off the back of a successful campaign in last year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, helping take Tower Motorsport’s John Farano to the LMP2 title.

For next weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Swiss star will share the blue-and-black GTP class entry with the full-season pairing of Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque as well as Toyota Gazoo Racing factory driver on loan Brendon Hartley.

Deletraz spoke openly about his ambitions with team, including the potential of a full-time role when the Indianapolis-based squad plans to expand to running two Acuras in 2024.

“I think the way how serious the whole program is, how serious Wayne is about IMSA and GTP and I think he also wants to go to Le Mans… Yeah, of course if there is a second car I would be happy to be on it and to be full time in IMSA,” Deletraz told Sportscar365.

“I think the way they came to me and contacted me is also not just [for] one shot, so I think if it goes well and I do the job in the car, I think they also want to continue [in] the future and build something together.

“Because obviously I’m young and it is my first time in the top class. I did Rebellion in LMP1 but in IMSA with the new GTPs, I think the goal is definitely to build something together and go towards the future. But now it’s only 2023 and then we will see more.”

Deletraz credits his successful LMP2 campaign with Tower last year for helping him land the WTR with Andretti deal, labeling it ‘the best decision in years.’

“I’m so happy I did IMSA LMP2 last year,” he said. “Over the winter almost a year ago I got the call from Tower, end of December. I was not sure. I knew nothing about the U.S., didn’t know the regulations, didn’t know the team.

“I can honestly say it’s the best decision I made in the last two years to come to IMSA because first of all I enjoy it, we’ve had a lot of success and I’ve learned all the rules and now I am here in a GTP with Acura and Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti.

“I think there’s not many better seats to be in and of course the LMP2 experience helps me a lot with the regulations, because it is so different to Europe.”

The 25-year-old has been pleased about his integration into the team, particularly crediting Albuquerque for getting him settled within the operation.

“The jelling with the team went really well,” he said. “Filipe helped me a lot. I’m good friends with Filipe and he introduced me to all the people.

“They really welcomed me. I could feel welcome and that they wanted me and that was super important for me so it already feels like we’ve been together for many years.

“It’s super nice to be in such a situation and feel welcome. Now obviously the first race is up and the serious stuff is coming, but I feel very comfortable.”

Albuquerque, for his part, reckoned Deletraz is a valuable addition to the squad praising both his performance in LMP2 as well as his personality.

“I knew him from the WEC paddock,” Albuquerque said. “Talking with him in the paddock once in a while, I think we can work with him and he can be a good one.

“The results were there, but endurance is not just about results: it’s about personality and he fits in really well.

“He’s young and fast. I think everyone is happy with him. I think he will do well.

“It’s his second Daytona so he’s still gathering some experience. But he’s doing just great and we have a great atmosphere in the team.”

Daniel Lloyd contributed to this report