Midweek Motorsport s21 e22

Jake Hughes, a Formula E veteran, reveals that his first visit to Le Mans was a revelation—far more complex and physically demanding than the track appears on TV. Despite a chaotic morning session where he collided with a Toyota due to a cold tyre snap, Hughes praises the raw, visceral experience of driving the LMP2 CrowdStrike APR car, calling it 'visceral' and 'loud' with unmatched feedback. He details how the track’s hidden challenges—bumps, curbs, and resurfaced sections—only become apparent in person, and how even small details like the exit kerb of the second chicane feel different due to asphalt changes. Hughes emphasizes the importance of simulator prep for safety procedures and slow zones, noting that real-world execution is far more nuanced than on paper. As a Pro-Am driver, he’s balancing his own driving style with his bronze teammate’s comfort, recognizing that team harmony trumps individual performance. With ambitions to race in Hypercars and win Le Mans, Hughes positions this experience as a strategic step toward the top tier of endurance racing, where he believes his Formula E systems expertise gives him an edge. The episode also covers major developments in motorsport: MotoGP’s new agreement through 2031 (with a 2036 extension option), the delayed rollout of the ride height device ban, and IndyCar’s continued dominance by Joseph Newgarden, who secured his 15th short oval win.