Philippe Prette took the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli by storm in his maiden campaign, earning the 2024 Am class crown on Maserati’s first full-season effort. The Monegasque driver is now on the verge of sealing back-to-back titles with a round to spare.
The LP Racing man has always dovetailed his on-track activities alongside being a supportive father to his son, Louis Prette, who shares the same paddock while competing in GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS.
Prette senior has since enjoyed being cheered on by his son to win the Am class title at his first attempt last year. Back to defend his crown, Philippe explains the challenges that brings and what measures he has taken to up his game during his title defence:
Philippe, you joined the GT2 Europe grid last season and immediately made an impression. Did you ever think you’d be on the brink of taking a second consecutive title?
“I joined GT2 Europe to spend race weekends with my son Louis, after three years away from competition due to Covid and travel restrictions where we live (Hong Kong). At the beginning of the 2024 season, I didn’t think I could compete for the title, but from the pre-season tests I was lucky enough to be part of an exceptional team (LP Racing) and to have an outstanding coach (Stéphane Ortelli), who immediately gave me the opportunity to perform. The first race took place at Circuit Paul Ricard, a circuit I know well since I was born just a few kilometers away. As the season went on, we built on each race until we claimed the title.”
What have been the challenges of defending your title in the Am category this season?
“It took very intensive physical training and countless hours on Assetto Corsa. In races, my biggest challenge was managing the tyres. Racing solo pushes me to go beyond my limits and requires me to train physically to endure the whole distance. It’s an interesting exercise that I highly recommend to anyone lucky enough to try it. It even made me feel a few years younger!”
What were your ambitions and goals when you started in the series?
“My main goal was to support and encourage Louis then, as the races went on, to aim for the title. It’s a great source of pride for the whole team to have won a very competitive 2024 championship. Louis and Stéphane kept pushing me to surpass myself throughout the season. In the last race, when I thought all was lost, my son cheered me on over the radio until the final kilometer, and the title was decided in the very last lap. Without the unwavering support of the whole team, last year’s title wouldn’t have been possible, so a huge congratulations to them.”
You also helped Maserati achieve its first title in GT2 Europe. How would you describe your feelings of driving its car?
“The car is outstanding. It’s a true racing car, powerful and efficient—a real pleasure to drive. The GT2 format is also remarkable, both for the machines and the organisation. I’ve always driven mid-engined cars, which was an advantage, and I felt comfortable from the first test. Thanks to the work of my engineer and mechanics, we’re able to optimise the car and find those extra tenths that make the difference.”
We often see Stéphane Ortelli, a seasoned racing driver, supporting you behind the scenes on race weekends. What has his role been, and what have you learned from his support?
“Before being a coach, Stéphane is above all a friend—he is Monegasque like my whole family. It was also a challenge for him to move from the driver’s seat to the other side of the fence, sometimes he’s even more stressed on the sidelines than if he were driving himself! In 2019, he coached Louis in the Ferrari Challenge and they won the title – that was his first title as a coach. Since then, he looks after both Louis and me. It’s a real pleasure and a source of pride to race with a coach who is a legend in motorsport.”
Your son Louis is well known for his performances in GT World Challenge. What does it mean to you to be the father of a racing driver?
“Louis has been at the racetracks since the age of six, firstly as a spectator and supporter of his Dad. Now, 20 years later, I’m the one supporting him and cheering him on. His results are exceptional both in his professional and family life. Sharing these strong sporting emotions with him is a ray of sunshine in my life.”
Prette continues his bid to successfully defend the Am class title in Valencia this weekend. He heads to Spain holding a 70-point advantage over his closest rival and only needs to ensure he’s 52-points clear come the end of the weekend to seal that second title.
The penultimate round of the current GT2 Europe campaign takes place at Circuit Ricardo Tormo Valencia from 19 to 21 September, once again supporting GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS. All action will be available to watch live via GT World’s YouTube channel.
