Chris Froggatt: my first 24 Hours of Le Mans

On his debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Chris Froggatt is preparing for one of the most iconic challenges in global motorsport. The 31-year-old British driver began his racing career in the Ferrari Challenge Europe – Trofeo Pirelli, where he secured the Trofeo Pirelli Am title in 2018. Since then, his career has taken him through various championships, delivering consistent performances in the GT World Challenge Europe (with several titles also won with Ferrari). He currently drives for the Ziggo Sport Tempesta Racing team at the wheel of the Ferrari 296 GT3.

At Le Mans, Chris is competing in the LMGT3 class in the number 193 Ferrari alongside Jonathan Hui and Eddie Cheever III – a line-up that combines experience, talent and passion. In this interview, he shares the emotions, expectations and challenges of a race that represents a dream for so many drivers.

Your first experience here at Le Mans: how was your track debut?

“I’ve always dreamt of coming to Le Mans with Ferrari. What’s more, I’m sharing the car with drivers like Jonathan and Eddie, who are friends of mine. Those first laps on the track were simply incredible. The circuit is genuinely one of a kind, utterly different from any other: a mix of a permanent race track and public roads, with endless straights. It’s an experience like no other. At first, it can feel overwhelming, especially with so many Hypercars and LMP2s out on track. You need to remain fully focused: the speed differences between the classes are significant, and you must be constantly aware of what’s happening around you.

But the thrill of racing in such an iconic location is indescribable. The atmosphere in the paddock is also special, unlike any other motorsport event.

Which aspects will you need to pay the most attention to?

“A race like this, with so many classes on track, is very different from the ones I am used to. I normally compete in the GT World Challenge Europe, but Le Mans is something else entirely. The biggest difference is that, in our class, we’re the slowest cars on the track, and that’s not a situation I’m familiar with. In some sections, the Hypercars come up behind us at almost twice our speed, which demands great focus and clear-headedness, especially when being lapped. I think the night will be the most demanding part. Fortunately, we receive support and guidance over the radio, which helps to ensure we’re never caught off guard. It’s an incredibly valuable resource in such a complex race.”

Have you competed in a 24-hour race before?

“Yes, we’ve already completed six 24-hour races, and in two weeks, we’ll be back at Spa. My first 24-hour race was actually at the Ardennes circuit, and in subsequent years, I managed to reach the podium, finishing in second and third place, alongside Eddie and Giancarlo Fisichella. We haven’t achieved a win yet… but it would be fantastic if we could.”

What are your expectations for this race?

As far as I’m concerned, I really just want to enjoy every moment. This is a special race. As a child, I dreamt of racing here in a Ferrari, so simply being on the grid is already incredible for me. In terms of expectations, to be honest, I don’t have anything too specific. The car is very different from the GT3 we race in the SRO championship, so it’s been essential to take the time to truly get to know it. Now, I think we’ve developed an excellent connection with the car, and we’re comfortable behind the wheel. Of course, the level of competition is incredibly high. Our goal will be to run a clean race, avoid mistakes, and remain in contention for the leading positions right through to the final hours. If we could finish in the top three, that would be fantastic. But above all, I want to complete the race. Finishing the 24 Hours of Le Mans would be a personal victory.”

What differences have you noticed between the 296 GT3 and the 296 LMGT3?

The LMGT3 has slightly less downforce, and the tyres are different too, designed to withstand the strain of longer stints, given the duration of the race. That’s something I’m still adapting to: gaining a better understanding of the car’s behaviour.

The DNA of the car is clearly similar, but the electronics are slightly different, and the steering requires a less aggressive approach. One new feature for us here at Le Mans is energy management. In SRO races, that’s not really a factor: there’s no genuine need to manage fuel or closely monitor consumption.

At Le Mans, being able to save enough fuel to squeeze out even just one extra lap can make a huge difference. It’s a further challenge but a crucial one if you want to be competitive.”

You won the Ferrari Challenge, and now you’re racing at Le Mans. How much has your experience in Ferrari’s one-make series contributed to your development as a driver?

The Ferrari Challenge was a tremendous learning opportunity for me, a genuine racing education. When all the cars are identical, the focus is entirely on driving and racing, discovering how to extract the maximum performance from the car. 

I believe it was an excellent training ground. I also thoroughly enjoyed the format. It served as a perfect springboard into the world of GT racing. 

How did you prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

“We’ve all done our best to prepare thoroughly for this race. I’ve spent many more hours than usual in the simulator, and I’ve also focused on my physical preparation, even dropping a few kilos. I’ve also prepared on a mental level. It can happen that, while you’re fully focused on your own race, a 499P suddenly appears behind you at 320 km/h, aiming to come through exactly where you are. Therefore, maximum concentration is essential, and that definitely takes a lot more energy.”