Nicolas Saelens took the Fanatec GT2 European Series by storm last season, clinching the Pro-Am title in his first year of competition.
It was a title fight that went down to the very last laps of the season, with Saelens and then PK Carsport teammate Stienes Longin beating True Racing rivals Stefan Rosina and Sehdi Sarmini to the coveted crown.
Nicolas is once again at the forefront of the championship battle this term, having joined forces with Rosina in the #15 True Racing TKM to great effect. With four podiums and an outright win at the Red Bull Ring already to their credit, the duo trail the class leaders by just three points with two rounds remaining.
Nicolas joins us for our Getting to Know driver feature:
Nicolas, you return to the series as reigning Pro-Am champion. How did it feel to achieve that accolade alongside Stienes Longin in your first year racing in GT2?
"Yes, the GT2 European Series was new for me in 2022 and it was a great first season. We had a plan to score as many points as possible, it was a very tight championship fight but we eventually won the title at the last round of the season."
Did you have much racing experience before entering the series?
"I didn’t have that much experience before joining GT2. I only started my career in 2018, racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and the Belcar Series in Belgium. I’m very happy and honored with the results so far, claiming both the Belgian and European championships."
What makes the Fanatec GT2 European Series your championship of choice?
"The advantage for me as Pro-Am racer in the GT2 European Series is that I can combine a race weekend with a family holiday. For example, for the races in Portimão or Valencia, my wife and kids are at the beach during the day time, while I’m racing. In the evening we are meeting again for dinner in the hotel, and everybody has a great day."
Your new driver pairing with Stefan Rosina in the True Racing KTM is proving to be a winning combination. How easy was it to adapt to racing a new car with a new team and teammate?
"The combination with Stefan and KTM is really great. Stefan is an excellent driver, with great set-up ability and he is a good mentor. The car has proven to be extremely competitive in Monza and Red Bull Ring, but in Dijon and Portimão we seemed to have some issues. The team is run by the KTM factory and we are convinced the car is being set-up and prepped perfectly for the next races in Valencia and Paul Ricard."
What has been your best on-track racing moment in the series so far?
"Winning a race just feels great, this is the best feeling, and this is what we are aiming for!"
You lie second in the Pro-Am standings, just three points behind the leaders with two rounds to go. How are you looking forward to round five in Valencia?
"The coming races will be very important, we will need to show our potential. Stefan and I have a real fighting mentality, and we will do our best to take back the championship lead in Valencia."
The 2022 title fight was only decided in the final race of the year and things seem just as close this season. Can you see the fight for the 2023 crown going down to the wire once again?
"Last year was indeed a thriller until the last race. For this year it’s difficult to predict, as every team has had a mix of difficulties and success, so we will see."
