Q&A: Richard Hay.

The aurally-exciting Morgan Aero 8 is rapidly turning into the car the Le Mans crowd are adopting this year. A superb lap from Le Mans rookie Richard Hay ensured the car easily qualified in the GT category, and Crash asked Richard how he was enjoying his Le Mans:

Richard, it's your first time here at Le Mans, your in the Morgan Aero 8, and you qualified the car in the dark - how was that?

Richard Hay: "It's an experience! Unfortunately we had an engine problem on the test day which meant that the on the race weekend we really have just not had enough time round the circuit. The other guys have had more time in the car, I got the job of just sitting in the car and going round at night as everything is new to me - the circuit, the car, the Morgan, but...it's fantastic!"

You've driven Caterhams, Tuscans, how much of a leap is it to find yourself here, sharing a rack with Audi R8s?

RH: "The biggest part of the leap is just the speed differential. To start with you are really trying to keep out of their way, and you have to stop doing that concentrate on doing your own thing - you don't do anything silly in front of them, but do what you need to do.

"They don't want to end their race against a Morgan by driving into you, so they take a little care, and you just show one another a bit of respect. It seems to have worked out - look at it this way, there are no scratches on our car! Which is how we'd all like to keep it."

It seems obvious already that the Morgan is a real crowd favourite. Have you been aware of that so far?

RH: "I couldn't believe it when I got out of the car last night! In the grandstand there were thousands of people cheering. I thought 'what are they all cheering for', and it was the Morgan!

"I think it embodies the spirit of the race for me. We're a little British team, with a British car, built 15 miles from where I live, and I think it just sums it all up. We're just doing the best we can, and so far t seems to be going reasonably well.

I get the impression that you are enjoying your first visit to Le Mans?

RH: "It would be hard not to, I have to say. When Richard phoned me up and asked me if I'd like to be the third driver, it didn't take me too long to think about it! I don't regret it for one second, it's just the opportunity of a lifetime."

What are going to be your goals for the race?

RH: "Simply to finish - that's the goal. It's such a long race and it's going to be pretty hot, so the main thing is going to be getting the Morgan to the finish - and enjoy ourselves!"