Dutchman Jeroen Bleekemolen is one of the most respected GT drivers of the current generation. His wealth of experience makes him an asset for every team he drives for. This year he adds another machine to his already impressive list of cars, by driving the Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini Huracan. Even though he's had a difficult start to 2016, Bleekemolen has the intention to make up for that in the second half of the season.
You must be one of the most versatile GT-drivers around. Do you have any tricks when switching from one car to another, in order to speed up the adaptation process?
"The more experience you have, the easier it gets to adapt to a new car. It often happens that I immediately feel at home at the wheel, even by just leaving pitlane. And when you are used to switching cars a lot, getting to know a new car gets easier too."
You've added the Huracan to your personal list this year. What are the strong points of the Huracan?
"It is a very 'all round' car. It does not have any real weak spots. From the first time I drove it, I was very impressed by the work Lamborghini did on the car. Then again, looking at all the new GT3 cars you can only be impressed. The cars are very well built and are close to one another.
How would you describe your start to the Blancpain GT Series season?
"We cannot be happy. Only one podium finish is not enough. All Lamborghini teams had a hard time, but we keep on pushing and we hope that we can get to the front from now on. But despite the fact that we were just a bit too slow, it is remarkable that all cars are that close to each other. The differences are really small."
In the past you've mainly competed in the sprint part of the Blancpain GT Series, but now you are doing a full season in endurance as well. Which do you prefer?
"I love 24-hour races, so I am very much looking forward to Spa. I find it hard to choose between the two, I really like both. The constant change between sprint and endurance is a good thing, so I am happy to be able to race in both Cups."
This summer you will be at the start of the Total 24 Hours of Spa for the sixth time in your career, but you have yet to finish on the podium. Is that a void you want to fill as quickly as possible?
"Absolutely! Spa is the only big 24-hour race where I never stood on the rostrum. I've had some great wins, at Le Mans, Nürburgring and Dubai. But never in Spa. I fully realise that a win will be very hard, but we will do anything to get there. A podium finish would be very nice, but are main aim is victory."