Mitch Evans Q&A

After securing the 2012 GP3 Drivers’ Championship, New Zealand sensation Mitch Evans is now preparing to make his debut in the extremely intense and competitive GP2 Series. With the Formula 1 grid consisting many former GP2 and GP3 drivers, Mitch Evans is understandably eager to impress during his debut season in the Series.

During his second season in GP3 last year, Mitch Evans showed a tremendous amount of skill and maturity in storming to Championship supremacy with MW Arden, clinching three victories and six podiums along the way. Once the season had drawn to a frenetic conclusion, Evans tested for both DAMS and Arden International in the GP2 post-season tests at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya and Jerez.

Naturally the 18-year-old Kiwi impressed during the two tests, and was eventually snapped up by Arden International to partner Venezuelan driver Johnny Cecotto jr. in the forthcoming season. To quench his thirst for racing during the European winter period, Evans returned home to once again compete in the Toyota Racing Series NZ. As he prepares for the pre-season tests and the season opening event at Sepang later next month, I once again caught up with Mitch Evans to discuss the season ahead.

Mitch Evans tested for both DAMS and Arden International during the GP2 post-season tests.

Q: Many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Mitch. You enjoyed an extremely competitive 2012 season with MW Arden in GP3, what are your ambitions for your debut season in GP2?

Mitch Evans: I always have high ambitions in anything I compete in. My main goal is to have a strong rookie season, it is going to be tough as a lot of drivers have completed a few years in GP2 and have gained a lot of experience from that so that will be hard to overcome but all I can do is my best.

Q: The Series will visit several venues which were not included during GP3 last season, such as Malaysia, Bahrain and Singapore. Which new circuit are you most looking forward to visiting this season?

ME: Yes that is right, I’m looking forward to all the new tracks, none stand out from another because they are all world class tracks that I hugely appreciate, and all have their own flow which makes them unique.

Q: You returned to the Toyota Racing Series NZ earlier this year for several races, winning two races at Hampton Downs. How do the New Zealand circuits compare to the European circuits and do you ever think Formula 1 could visit your home nation?

ME: The tracks are completely different, back home they are very tight, narrow and short compared to the European circuits. So when I did come over to Europe it did take a while to get used to because it changes a lot about racing. It would be a dream if New Zealand did make it on the Formula 1 Calendar, but financially it will be very difficult for the country at the moment.

Q: For 2013 you will be partnered at Arden by Johnny Cecotto jr., a two-time winner in the Series. How do you think the two of you will work together as team-mates and have you had a chance to catch up with him over the winter break?

ME: I have not met Johnny yet, I hear from the team that he is a good guy which is positive to hear and he was obviously very fast in the Jerez test last year so he’s going to be a good benchmark for me and he also has a lot of experience which I think will be massively beneficial for my rookie season.

Q: Last season Luiz Razia battled for the Championship with Davide Valsecchi, eventually loosing out to the Italian yet still progressing to Formula 1. Is there any pressure upon your shoulders to produce results reminiscent of Razia this season?

ME: Of course, because the car is obviously capable of battling for the Championship, but also Luiz had a lot of experience in GP2 so that is going to help. For me to be battling for the Championship in my rookie season is going to be a hard ask but I’m going to be doing everything I can to give myself the best shot.

Q: After racing for MW Arden, a team co-owned by Red Bull driver Mark Webber and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, could we expect to see you in either a Toro Rosso or even a Red Bull in the future?

ME: Who knows, that would be amazing. It all depends on my results over the next year or two and that is down to me.

Many thanks to Arden International and Mitch Evans for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture(s) Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service