Julian Leal Q&A

Due largely to the success of both Pastor Maldonado and Sergio Perez during recent years’, South America is enjoying a resurgence in the world of Formula 1. Next season the Mexican Grand Prix is scheduled to make a return to the sport’s calendar for the first time since 1992, with companies such as Telmex and PDVSA assisting many drivers throughout the lower categories.

Amongst the many rising stars from South America is Columbian 23-year-old Julian Leal, who is currently competing in his third season in the GP2 Series with Racing Engineering. So far this season Leal has finished on the podium twice in succession at both Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, two of motorsport’s most iconic locations. Throughout his rise through the lower categories Julian Leal has won the F3000 Italian Series and a race in the Auto GP Series.

As Columbia’s nearest driver to the coveted world of Formula 1, the Bucaramanga-born driver is keen on becoming only the nation’s fourth driver in the sport and the first since Juan Pablo Montoya in 2006. With the GP2 season drawing to a conclusion with only two race weekends remaining, I caught up with Julian Leal to discuss his career so far and motorsport in South America.

Q: First of all Julian, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. So far this season you have picked up two podium finishes and two fastest laps with Racing Engineering. Already this has been your most competitive season in the GP2 Series, with two race weekends still to come. How would you describe your season so far with Racing Engineering?

Julian Leal: The second half of the season went really well for me. The team has helped me from the very beginning and I learned a lot with them. So it is a positive year for me.

Q: You made your debut in the GP2 Series in 2011 with Rapax in both the main Series and the Asian Series, after a season in the inaugural year of the Auto GP Series. How different, if at all, was life in GP2 in comparison to the Auto GP Series and the other categories you had previously competed in?

Julian Leal made his debut in the GP2 Asia Series back in 2011 with Rapax.

JL: The GP2 car is very different. It is faster, has more engine power and you go through corners much quicker. Also the carbon brakes make quite a difference. But the categories I raced in before were a good school.

Q: You began your open-wheel career in the Formula Renault 2.0 Panam Series with Pexin back in 2006. How exactly did you get into motorsport and begin your climb up the motorsport ladder?

JL: I started in Karting back in Colombia in the 100cc and 125cc categories. After winning the Nacam Cup, I was invited to participate in the Formula Renault 2000, where I participated in some races achieving good results, including three podium finishes. Then my father found the opportunity for me to race in Formula 3000 and from that day on I have moved to Europe racing in F3000, FR3.5, Auto GP and GP2.

Q: In 2008 you became the F3000 Italian Champion, beating the likes of Nicholas Prost, Luiz Razia and Fabio Onidi. However, you didn’t win a race all season. What were your feelings after winning that particular Championship but without winning a race?

JL: That was a very good year and I managed to be consistent from race to race. And in the end I scored more points than the others.

Q: So far in Formula 1 there have only been three drivers from Columbia, with Juan Pablo Montoya becoming the latest driver to do so with the likes of McLaren and Williams. Seeing as you’re currently the nearest Columbian driver to Formula 1, is there any added pressure on your shoulders?

Julian Leal is currently Columbia’s closest driver to the world of Formula 1.

JL: I try to simply enjoy the racing on a race by race base. Each time I get into the car, I try to give my best.

Q: With many drivers currently rising through the lower categories from numerous South American nations such as Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Columbia, how important do you think the return of the Mexican Grand Prix will be should it officially return next season on the Formula 1 calendar?

JL: I think it’s very important for the South American drivers because with another Grand Prix there, it might make the search for sponsorship easier.

Q: After a relatively competitive season so far with Racing Engineering, what are your hopes for next season. Do you aim to remain in the GP2 Series, or possibly return to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series?

JL: Firstly the season has to finish and until then I am 100% focused on finishing it the best way possible. After the season I will decide about the next step.

Many thanks to Racing Engineering and Julian Leal for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Josh Webster Q&A

After several seasons in the Formula Renault BARC Championship with both Fortec Motorsports and MGR Motorsport, rising British sensation Josh Webster is preparing to make his debut in the GP3 Series around the Circuit de Catalunya. The 19-year-old enters the Series with Irish outfit Status Grand Prix, alongside Jimmy Eriksson and Adderly Fong.

During his career in the Formula Renault BARC Championship, Josh Webster recorded eight victories and 22 podiums across some of Britain’s best venues such as Snetterton, Thruxton and Donington. Last season the Briton competed in the Formula 3 Masters event at Zandvoort in Holland for T-Sport, eventually finishing 16th in a field consisting of many rising stars including Daniel Juncadella, William Buller and Conor Daly. Towards the end of last season, Josh Webster tested for Carlin in the post-season GP3 test sessions.

During the winter break, Josh Webster continued to test for the GP3 Series, this time with Status Grand Prix. A member of the BRDC Rising Stars and MSA UK Elite Drivers, Josh Webster is without a doubt a future talent who will be aiming to thrive in this year’s GP3 Series season with Status Grand Prix. With the Briton’s debut imminent, I caught up with him to discuss his debut season in the category and his career so far.

Q: First of all Josh, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. You enjoyed an extremely competitive season in the Formula Renault BARC Championship last year with MGR Motorsport which saw you take five victories. What was your personal highlight of the year?

Josh Webster: I had two personal highlights of 2012, one at the start of the year and one at the end. In January I was selected to become a member of MSA Team UK which is the top tier of the MSA Academy structure. There were six race drivers selected, plus rally drivers and co-drivers. We have coaching and mentoring from experts and senior race drivers and have specialist fitness training and team events. I am very proud to be part of the team for my second year in 2013. The second highlight of the year was to be named as one of the six finalists for the McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award.

I had always hoped to be selected as a finalist but when I got the call from Kevin Turner of AUTOSPORT I was absolutely overjoyed and he said he’d never heard anyone so happy! The assessment gave us the chance to drive some amazing cars and the final interview was held at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking which I had always hoped to visit. It was a great experience.

Q: The 2013 GP3 Series already looks incredibly competitive, with a fine balance of returning and new drivers on the grid. What are your ambitions heading into the new season?

JW: I realise that I am one of the least experienced drivers in GP3 this year and I am making a very big step up from Formula Renault BARC to the new 2013 spec 400hp car. I know that I have a tremendous amount to learn so I have realistic expectations and just hope to learn as quickly as possible. I also need to learn the circuits which I haven’t driven before. There are about 12 drivers returning to the Series who will be very competitive, but there are also some drivers coming into the series from Formula Renault 3.5 and Formula 3 who have driven the circuits before and have experience of higher powered cars so they will also be contenders. All I can say about my ambitions is that I will be working really hard to get the maximum out of the team, the car and most of all myself, aiming to get solid foundations in place for 2014.

Q: This year in GP3 will see you visit many legendary venues including Spa-Francorchamps and Monza. Which circuit are you most looking forward to competing on this season in the GP3 Series?

JW: I am really looking forward to my home race at Silverstone – it will be great to race in front of the Silverstone fans. I have watched from the grandstands at Silverstone since I was very young and always dreamed of driving there at the Grand Prix event. I haven’t driven at Spa, but I am really looking forward to it. Everyone says it is an amazing circuit, so I am really looking forward to going there for the first time in August.

Q: Towards the end of last year, you competed in the post-season GP3 tests with Carlin in the old GP3/10 machine before testing with Status Grand Prix earlier this year in the new GP3/13 machine. Despite your limited time in the old car, how different is the new car to drive?

Josh Webster tested throughout the winter period for both Carlin and Status Grand Prix.

JW: The car is very different. The new car has a lot more power and downforce and the power delivery is different as the old car had a turbo and the new car is a normally aspirated engine. The car is very quick in a straight line and the brakes are bigger and better than the previous car. The tyre compounds are different for 2013 and the car is good to drive on new tyres but very challenging when the tyres have dropped off their peak performance. The new tyres are designed to be similar to those used in GP2 and getting used to the tyres and how to manage them is probably the biggest challenge.

Q: Like many British drivers on the GP3 grid for the new season, you are a member of the BRDC Rising Stars. For those who have yet to hear of this, could you please explain what this means?

JW: The British Racing Drivers’ Club, based at Silverstone, has 35 Rising Stars and I am very proud to be one of them. I was invited to a meeting at the Club in September 2011 and was invited to join the BRDC as a Rising Star at that time. It is a great honour.

Rising Stars [age 24 and under] are in effect the junior members of the Club, selected by the BRDC [scouted from trackside] based on their racing potential. The aim is to become  a full member in the future.

As a Rising Star I am able to use the wonderful facilities of the BRDC Clubhouse at events throughout the year which is very useful for me to entertain sponsors. The BRDC also host events for the Rising Stars on useful educational topics and often with well known motor racing personalities. I am very proud to have the BRDC roundel on my car and my race suit and very grateful to the Club for their support.

Q: Although both you and your team-mates of Jimmy Eriksson and Adderley Fong are rookies in the GP3 Series, do you feel the team has the ability to fight for points or even podium finishes this year?

JW: Well it has to be admitted that with all rookie drivers in the team we will be at a disadvantage compared to the teams who have experienced drivers. Added to this we have an all new engineering team at Status which of course will put us at an even bigger disadvantage.

It’s hard to say if we have a chance to fight for points or podiums this year until we get started and see where we are in relation to the more experienced teams but we’ll all be working flat-out to catch up as quickly as possible.

Many thanks to Pam & Josh Webster for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture(s) Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service

Sam Bird Q&A

After a season away in the World Series by Renault, Sam Bird has made an explosive return to the GP2 Series with Russian Time which has so far included one race victory. The 26-year-old Briton, who has tested for the Mercedes F1 team, has already knocked up numerous races victories in the feeder category.

Since making his open-wheel debut back in 2004, Sam Bird has competed in many of the sport’s top feeder categories such as British Formula Three, Masters of Formula 3 and the World Series by Renault. Recently he has tested for the Mercedes Formula 1 team, alongside his commitments in GP2, GP2 Asia and the World Series by Renault. After a competitive season in the World Series by Renault last year with ISR, which included two victories and numerous podiums, the Briton returned to the GP2 Series with new outfit Russian Time.

Already the outfit has proven to be a competitive force in the GP2 Series, with Sam Bird already securing a race victory and Tom Dillmann finishing competitively in the points and securing the reverse grid pole in Bahrain. Although Sam Bird believes Russian Time is still behind most of the top teams on the grid, he is confident of the season ahead. With a lengthy gap between Bahrain and Spain, I caught up with Sam Bird to discuss his successful return to the category and his plans between the two race weekends.

Q: First of all Sam, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. You have had an extremely competitive return to the GP2 Series with Russian Time, which has included a victory at Bahrain. Did you think such a victory would be possible so early in the season?

Sam Bird takes victory by just +0.080 over Felipe Nasr.

Sam Bird: Yes I did. We knew we were on the back foot as a result of coming into GP2 so late in the day and missing out on pre-season testing. Equally, we felt that if everyone worked hard and worked smart, we could compete for honors very early. Having said that, we are well aware that we are still a little behind from a technical point of view so there is a lot of hard work ahead.

Q: Russian Time is a completely new outfit in the GP2 Series, however both you and your team-mate Tom Dillmann have been instantly on the pace. As the Series returns to Europe, how do you rate you and your teams chances of mounting a Championship challenge alongside the likes of Racing Engineering, Carlin and Rapax?

SB: As I have just said, I think we are still behind those teams – and probably others – simply by virtue of the wealth of experience and data that they have over us. In this game, knowledge and data are paramount. But the technical team at Russian Time is switched on and Tom Dillmann and I both have some GP2 experience to bring to the party. So we will do our best to catch up and continue competing at the sharp end.

Q: This season in GP2, Pirelli have designed their tyres to behave like they do in Formula 1 to prepare the next generation of drivers in tyre conservation. How do you believe the tyres handle in comparison to F1, what with your knowledge in F1 machinery with Mercedes?

SB: Having not yet raced on the Pirelli tyres in an F1 Grand Prix, the direct comparison is a difficult one to make. Having said that, based on my experience of testing the F1 car on Pirelli rubber, I would say that the challenges of managing the tyres are similar, although GP2 has the added challenge of having only one pitstop in the feature race and none at all in the sprint race! This makes tyre conservation in GP2 possibly even more critical than it is in F1. In F1, if you unexpectedly fall off the “cliff” you can dive into the pits for a fresh set, even if it means having to readapt the pit stop strategy. If the same happens to you in the GP2 sprint race, you’ve pretty much had it…

Q: During the season opener in Malaysia, we saw Johnny Cecotto jr. display rather questionable driving against you during qualifying. He was demoted to the back of the grid, however such unacceptable driving was repeated in Bahrain by Sergio Canamasas on Kevin Ceccon. Do you think the stewards need to hand out tougher sanctions against drivers who display such dangerous driving?

SB: The stewards have branded such driving “unacceptable”. As for the punishments, it’s not for me to comment. They have been handed out and are to be respected.

Sam Bird has tested for the Mercedes F1 team on numerous occasions.

Q: As well as your GP2 Series commitments with Russian Time, you are also associated with the Mercedes F1 Team. For the last three years you have partaken in their Young Driver Program. Can we expect to see you reprise your role later in the year, or is it too early for such plans?

SB: I continue to work for Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team as their Reserve Driver but precise plans for the Young Driver Test are yet to be finalised.

Q: And finally, what are your plans for the extensive gap between Bahrain and Spain? With no ability to carry out track testing between the two race weekends, will you jump into the Mercedes simulator to prepare yourself for racing around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya?

SB: I will be fulfilling my role for Mercedes at their factory in Brackley, working mainly on the simulator. I will travel to Oschersleben too, to meet with the Russian Time engineering team. I will also be working hard on my ongoing preparation and fitness. Finally, I have a few media and charity commitments. So all in all, I will be pretty busy.

Many thanks to Sam Bird and James Olivier for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture(s) Copyright © Glenn Dunbar/GP2 Series Media Service & Getty Images

Rene Binder Q&A

The 2013 GP2 Series season may only be several races old, however Austrian driver Rene Binder has already surpassed the first milestone of his career in the category by picking up his first point during the sprint race in Malaysia. The 21-year-old made his debut in the Series last year at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Prior to making his debut in the GP2 Series with Venezuela GP Lazarus towards the end of last season, Rene Binder competed in the German Formula Three Series with Van Amersfoort Racing. The 21-year-old Austrian made his debut in single seater racing back in 2009 in the ADAC Formel Masters category with Team Abt Sportsline. The 21-year-old Austrian also competed in Formula 2 for his home event in 2011 at the Red Bull Ring, finishing 16th and 13th respectively in the two races.

Motorsport runs in his blood, with his father [Franz Binder] and uncle [Hans Binder] having both competed in motor racing, with the latter starting several races in Formula 1 throughout the 1970s. So far this season, Rene Binder has finished each of the four races for Venezuela GP Lazarus, a team competing in their second season in the GP2 Series. With several weeks before the next race weekend around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, I caught up with Rene Binder to discuss his career so far in the GP2 Series.

Q: First of all Rene, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. You made you debut in the GP2 Series towards the end of last year at the Belgian Grand Prix replacing Giancarlo Serenelli. Did you feel any added pressure entering a new series with a new team at such a late stage in the season?

Rene Binder: It was a difficult decision as I had no idea what was going to happen in Spa. We are talking about the official feeder series of Formula 1 and I arrived from a national German F3 series, but right from the beginning I had a good feeling with the powerful car and with the Pirelli tyres.

Q: You are now in your first full season in the category and Venezuela GP Lazarus are in their second season. Although you only contested in six races together last year, have you noticed any improvements within the outfit as they become accustomed to life in the support category to Formula 1?

RB: You should not forget that Tancredi Pagiaro and his engineers have won races in GP2 before, therefore I have never questioned the competitiveness of Venezuela GP Lazarus. It is a young but very professional team and we are growing together, which is good.

Q: This season you have so far scored your first point in the GP2 Series with 8th during the Malaysian Grand Prix sprint race. Do you feel more confident this season, or are you still learning as the year progresses?

Rene Binder on his way to his first point in the GP2 Series.

RB: Of course, I am much better prepared but you never stop learning in GP2. It is a very tough challenge to prepare for a qualifying in only two/three flying laps of free practice and it is even harder if you don’t know the tracks like Sepang, Bahrain or Monte-Carlo. Anyway, I feel in good shape and I am confident that we can achieve some good results already this season.

Q: At Bahrain you were struck with a drive-thru penalty for allegedly forcing Mitch Evans off of the track. Do you think this penalty was justified, or do you think your battle with Evans was just close and exciting racing?

RB: The penalty was definitely not justified and a few hours later there was exactly the same situation between Jenson Button and Sergio Perez without any consequences.

Q: Although it has been several years since an Austrian driver competed in a Formula 1 race, the nation has remained at the top of the sport with the success of Red Bull. Has the team’s dominance of recent years sparked more interest in the sport back home in Austria?

RB: Austria is a country with a strong historical background in F1, going back to Jochen Rindt and Niki Lauda, and it’s definitely positive for the fans that we now have a team that is sporting our flags in the top class of motorsport. But, needless to say, that the fans are also hoping for an Austrian driver in Formula 1 again.

Q: Finally, how do you see the remainder of the 2013 season panning out for both yourself and Venezuela GP Lazarus? Do you think you can fight for podium finishes as the season progresses?

RB: My goals haven’t changed yet. I want to be in a position to be fighting for points as often as possible. I don’t know if I can fight for podiums later this season, we will see. It doesn’t make sense to think about results now, I prefer to focus on my set-up work together with my engineer, on my physical training and on my mental preparation. The most important thing for me was that we showed a good race pace in Bahrain with the 3rd fastest lap time in race two and the 4th fastest lap in race one. We are moving to the right direction.

Many thanks to Rene Binder and Venezuela GP Lazarus for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Conor Daly Q&A

Although the 2013 motorsport season is only several months old, American 21-year-old Conor Daly has already enjoyed a tremendously busy year both in Europe and America. The son of the former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver Derek Daly has tested in the GP3 Series, competed in the GP2 Series and has been confirmed for the Indianapolis 500.

Conor Daly began his open-wheel single-seater career back in 2008 in the Formula 2000 Series, and has since competed in the Star Mazda Championship, Firestone Indy Lights Series, GP3 Series, MRF Challenge and the GP2 Series. The American star has also partaken in a test for the IZOD IndyCar Series, where he managed to impress team owner A.J. Foyt and land himself a drive at the legendary Indianapolis 500 with A.J. Foyt Racing.

Despite competing in the opening round of the GP2 Series season at Malaysia several weeks ago, Conor Daly has dismissed plans to run in the category full-time this season. As the 2013 season of motorsport steps up a gear in the coming weeks, I caught up Conor Daly as we discussed his forthcoming debut in the IZOD IndyCar Series and his debut in the GP2 Series for Hilmer Motorsport.

Q: First of all Conor, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. It’s been a busy start to the season for you, with competing in the GP2 Series in Malaysia, testing for the GP3 Series and the confirmation that you’ll compete at the Indianapolis 500 in May with A.J. Foyt Racing. What does it mean to you to be preparing to compete in such a legendary event?

Conor Daly testing at Sebring in December for A.J. Foyt Racing.

Conor Daly: It has definitely been a busy start to the year! I can’t really believe how much has gone on and it’s only April. The Indy 500 deal being announced was definitely an amazing feeling. I’ve been to that race every year of my life except for last year when I was racing in Monaco. The event means so much to me because it’s really my home town race. I grew up and still live only 30 minutes from the track and was always there as often as I could be. People don’t really understand how massive of an event it is until they experience it themselves. It is without a doubt the greatest race in the world. I am really excited to get to work and do the best job I can.

Q: Although you have competed in both the Star Mazda Championship and the Firestone Indy Lights Series in America, you have only competed on a handful of ovals in your single-seater career. Do you feel nervous with the prospect of competing in the 200-lap race, or are you confident ahead of your Indianapolis 500 debut?

CD: It will be a big challenge for sure because Indianapolis is a very unique oval. I’ve known the Indy deal could happen for the last couple of months and I have been reaching out to many people I know to get some advice or different bits of information on the track or car that might be helpful. I’m confident I’ll be able to get up to speed because the Foyt team does a great job in car preparation and A.J. [Foyt] knows how perfect everything has to be to win at Indy.

Q: As you will be regarded as a rookie at the Indianapolis 500, you will participate in the Rookie Orientation Program on April 11th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway alongside fellow rookies A.J. Allmendinger, Tristan Vautier and Carlos Munoz. For those who do not fully understand this program, could you please explain what it entails.

CD: You basically go out and do 10 laps at 200-205mph average speed and progress to faster speeds until you get to do 10 laps at 210 or 215mph+. It is a big track to get to grips with and extremely high speeds so they give the rookies a day to learn before the month of May begins.

Q: Meanwhile, you have also been competing in the GP2 and GP3 Series. Last month in Malaysia you made your debut in the GP2 Series with Hilmer Motorsport, finishing 13th and 7th respectively. How do you feel you performed during your debut in the category?

Conor Daly finished 13th and 7th respectively during his debut race weekend in GP2.

CD: I think I did pretty well considering how much time I had in the car before that weekend. I only had an afternoon in the dry at the Barcelona test to get to grips with the car. It was also a new track for me so to have the second fastest lap of the race in race two and to score points I was extremely happy. The team did a great job and they’ve got some really good engineers which was a massive help.

Q: Last season in GP3 you took your first victory in the category around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, and throughout the remainder of the season finished on the podium a further four times. However, at Monaco you were involved in a huge airborne incident with Dmitry Suranovich which saw your car launched into the catch-fencing at the exit of the tunnel. What went through your mind as you struck the rear of Suranovich?

CD: That incident should never have happened. The way he was driving was absolutely unsafe and was deemed “acceptable”. I don’t really care to talk about it anymore because it really ruined my season but what’s done is done and I learned from it and had a lot of strong races throughout the rest of the season.

Q: And finally, retuning to the topic of the IZOD IndyCar Series, can we expect to see you back in the No. 41 machine after the Indianapolis 500, or will you continue to compete in the GP2 Series in Europe and Asia?

CD: I don’t know if I will do any other IndyCar races or not. If I have the opportunity and no schedule conflicts I’d love to do a road course race in the IndyCar, but of course there also has to be a budget in place to do that. At the moment a lot of my racing plans are up in the air and they most likely will not include GP2. Many people think I am racing in GP2 full-time which is not actually the case. I had a great opportunity provided for me to do the first race and I took advantage of it. If I was racing GP2 full-time, I wouldn’t be doing all of the GP3 pre-season testing… I can’t say much about what else is going on but I will be racing something full-time for sure.

Many thanks to Conor Daly for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture(s) Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service, John Hendrick/IndyCar & Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Charles Pic Q&A

Last season saw Charles Pic become Timo Glock’s third team-mate in as many years at Marussia, following on from both Lucas di Grassi and Jerome D’Ambrosio. Just like his predecessors at the outfit, Charles Pic had graduated from the GP2 Series after taking two victories and five podiums throughout the previous season in the category.

Despite four retirements in the first six races at the start of his Formula 1 career, Charles Pic greatly impressed many during his debut year in the sport. Towards the end of the European season, Charles Pic began both out-qualifying and out-racing his vastly more experienced German team-mate. During the final Grand Prix weekend of the season at Brazil, it was confirmed that Charles Pic had signed for Caterham on a multi-year contract.

After many weeks of speculation regarding who would eventually team-mate the 22-year-old, Dutchman and former Caterham reserve driver Giedo van Garde was confirmed prior to the opening test of the season. Mentored by former race winner Olivier Panis, Charles Pic impressed many during his debut season in Formula 1. With only several weeks to go before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne, I caught up with Charles Pic to discuss his second season in Formula 1.

Charles Pic testing at Jerez in the new CT03 machine.

Q: First of all Charles, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. You are currently preparing for what will be your second season in Formula 1, and your first with Caterham, how are your preparations going for the start of the new season?

Charles Pic: Preparations are going very well thanks. Before the first test I was able to spend quite a lot of time in the factory in Leafield, meeting everyone, spending some time in the simulator and starting to work with my Race Engineer Tim Wright. The first test was also good. We had a technical issue on my first day in the car, but on day two we ran more than 100 laps and generated a lot of very useful data, so we’re now looking ahead to the next test in Barcelona and picking up where we left off.

Q: Throughout your debut season with Marussia, you out-qualified and out-raced your team-mate Timo Glock on several occasions. How do you feel you performed throughout 2012?

CP: I think I did pretty well, but it was my first year and we were racing a lot of tracks I hadn’t driven before. This year I have that experience, so I think year two will be even better – you never stop learning!

Q: The subject of ‘pay drivers’ has been rather topical in recent weeks throughout the Formula 1 fraternity. What is your opinion on the term, do you think it is good or bad for the image of the sport?

CP: That’s not something I want to get into.  There are plenty of other people who can talk about that but for me, I am in the team to do my job and that’s what I want to focus on.

Q: In 2013 Caterham will unquestionably be striving to score their first World Championship points. How confident are you that both yourself and the team will be able to achieve this in the forthcoming season?

CP: It’s too early to tell, and, truthfully, that’s not really the goal. F1 is probably more competitive than it ever has been and our main goal has to be to get as close as we can to the teams ahead – if we reach them then maybe a point will be available, but first we have to catch the cars ahead.

Q: Former Grand Prix winner Olivier Panis was with you throughout the majority of your debut season with Marussia. How much does he assist you throughout a Grand Prix weekend, and will he accompany you at Caterham as well this season?

CP: Olivier has been a great help to me and he’s obviously one of the most experienced people I could work with. Quite a few of the guys at Caterham have worked with him before, when he was driving, so for both him and me there’s a good atmosphere in the team and we’re working with people we know. I’m not sure how many races he’ll be at this year, we’ll see.

Q: And lastly, last season the first three races were completely new circuits for you. How confident are you on returning to the likes of Albert Park, Sepang and the Shanghai International Circuit at the start of the new season?

CP: Confidence is probably not the right word. I’m looking forward to racing again – it’s my job and I love what I do, so I’m excited about going back to work and the fact I know the tracks is a bonus.

Many thanks to Caterham and Charles Pic for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture(s) Copyright © Caterham F1 Team

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

Daniil Kvyat Q&A

After an incredibly competitive and successful 2012 season competing in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro and Alps Series, Russian 18-year-old Daniil Kvyat is now preparing for the next challenge in his motor sport career as he prepares to make his GP3 Series debut with MW Arden.

The Banbury-based outfit stormed to Championship success last season at the hands of Kiwi Mitch Evans, who only just pipped the Lotus of Daniel Abt to the Championship by two points with three wins and six podiums along the way. After clinching the Formula Renault 2.0 Alps Championship last season, Daniil Kvyat will spearhead the team’s 2013 Championship chances.

The Russian 18-year-old, who is part of the Red Bull Junior Programme, impressed many during the post-season GP3 test at the end of last season. Kvyat topped the timing sheets at Estoril whilst testing for MW Arden, and is understandably eager to begin his GP3 campaign. With only several weeks before pre-season testing gets underway at Estoril in Portugal, I caught up Daniil Kvyat as was discussed the forthcoming GP3 season and Formula 1’s popularity in Russia.

Q: First of all Daniil, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. You enter the GP3 Series after a very competitive 2012 season in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro and Alps Series, how much do you think your experience in these two categories will assist you in your preparations for the coming season?

Daniil Kvyat: I think the experience I had from Formula Renault 2.0 will help me a lot. I had a very strong 2012 season always fighting for victories, podiums and Championships. It gave me a great amount of experience and self confidence, which I will be able to use in GP3 in 2013 .

Daniil Kvyat tested for MW Arden at Estoril during a 2012 post-season test.

Q: You’ve already competed on many circuits which will feature in the forthcoming GP3 season, including the likes of Spa-Francorchamps and the Hungaroring where you’ve recorded victories. Which tracks are you most looking forward to visiting with GP3 this season?

DK: Every track is very beautiful, and particular somehow! The only track I haven’t been to is Abu Dhabi, it is going to be amazing to race on that track as well .

Q: Now you’re part of the prestigious Red Bull Junior Programme, where Sebastian Vettel began his rise to the top of the motorsport world. Do you one day see yourself as a Formula 1 driver having followed in Sebastian’s footsteps with the guidance of Red Bull?

DK: Of course, that’s my main goal, and I am working hard to get there .

Q: With Russia scheduled to host their first Formula 1 race next season at Sochi, is it evident that Formula 1 is growing in popularity within the nation?

DK: That’s for sure. Honestly, since [Vitaly] Petrov made his step to F1, the popularity of motorsport has generally increased a lot in Russia. Now with many young Russian drivers in different categories, new racing tracks, the popularity is only growing.

Q: In 2013 you’re racing for MW Arden, the team that propelled Mitch Evans to Championship glory last season. How confident are you that you can challenge for race victories and even possibly the Championship this year?

DK: That’s my main goal obviously, like always, to win. I am looking forward to start working with my team and I am confident we will be able to build a fast and strong car in every condition. I have already completed a test with MW Arden in GP3 at the Portugal post-season test, and I managed to make P1 first every day in the old GP3 car. So I am looking forward to this season, with a new and more powerful car .

Many thanks to MW Arden and Daniil Kvyat for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture (s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service

Marcus Ericsson Q&A

As the 2013 GP2 Series season draws ever closer, the grid is slowly but surely beginning to fill as both new and returning teams’ and drivers’ are confirmed up and down the order. One driver who has landed himself a decent drive for the forthcoming season is 22-year-old Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson.

Marcus Ericsson is preparing to start his fourth season in GP2, and has completed a switch from iSport International to reigning Constructors’ Champions DAMS. The Swede will be joined at the French outfit by Stephane Richelmi, as they both aim continue DAMS competitiveness at the top.

Ericsson has two victories to his name already in the category, and is understandably aiming to add to his tally this season. With pre-season testing only several weeks away, I caught up with Marcus Ericsson as we look ahead to what promises to be another exciting year of GP2 action.

Q: First of all Marcus, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Last season you secured one victory and five podiums with iSport, do you expect to emulate those results with DAMS in 2013?

Marcus Ericsson: Last year was quite a difficult year for me. The season started really bad and we had to work hard to turn things around. But the hard work paid off and I think my end of the season shows what I’m capable of [Ericsson scored the most points out of anyone in the last six races]. Now after signing with DAMS I feel confident that if we work hard we should be able to fight for the Championship.

Q: Seeing as Davide Valsecchi won the Championship with DAMS last season, you are already regarded as a Championship contender for 2013. Do you feel added pressure because of this, or are you looking forward to the start of the new season?

ME: Of course there is a bit of added pressure since they have won the Championship the two previous years. But for me thats not a problem. I see this year as a great opportunity to show everyone what I’m capable of doing.

Q: In 2009 you tested for F1 team Brawn GP at Jerez. Is it still you intention to become Sweden’s 11th Formula 1 driver in the future, and the first to start a race since Stefan Johansson in 1991?

ME: I think everyone competing in GP2 aims to take the step up to F1, and so do I! But for me its very important to always focus on the nearest future, and that is GP2 [in] 2013. If I have a great year then we will have to see what opportunity there is for 2014.

Marcus Ericsson testing for DAMS at Jerez in November.

Q: You tested for five different teams during GP2’s post-season test sessions last season. Was it your intention to leave iSport for another team, or were you merely keeping your options open with the five teams in question?

ME: To be fair, after last season I had no idea what I would be doing 2013. I hoped that I would stay in GP2 but it’s difficult times. The reason that I tested so much for different teams was that I wanted to keep myself sharp, and of course also try potential teams for 2013. And I think that you learn a lot from testing different cars and teams. But after my DAMS test in Jerez there was no doubts on where I wanted to be [for 2013]. I’m really happy that we managed to get a deal together!

Q: And lastly, the 2013 season finale will this year take place around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit. Do you think GP2 should support Formula 1 at more distant venues in the coming future, such as Australia, Japan and Brazil, making GP2 a World Series?

ME: I think it would be amazing if GP2 could follow the whole F1 calendar. But as always in motorsport its a question of money. Already now the GP2 budgets are high, and if GP2 add even more oversea races it would become just too expensive I’m afraid.

Many thanks to DAMS and Marcus Ericsson for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

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

Mario Andretti Q&A

This weekend sees Formula 1 return to the United States for the first time since 2007, when Lewis Hamilton stormed to only his second race victory for McLaren around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s infield circuit. Since then, F1’s only involvement east of Europe has resided solely in Canada and Brazil.

However, F1 is gearing up to return to the United States in style this weekend, at the country’s first ever purpose-built Formula 1 venue at the Circuit of the Americas. Eagerly anticipated for many months, the brand-new circuit has already raised many eyebrows within the paddock due its trademark elevation at Turn One.

As we prepare for what promises to be a sensationally exciting race weekend in Texas, I caught up with American motor sport legend (and ambassador of the new Circuit of the Americas) Mario Andretti, as we discussed the new circuit in Austin, F1 in America and Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes…

Q: First of all Mario, many thanks for taking the time to talk to me.

Mario Andretti: My pleasure!

Q: You drove the first laps around the new Circuit of the Americas last month, what were your first impressions on the new circuit?

Mario Andretti officially opened the circuit by cutting a ribbon in his Lotus 79.

MA: Very positive, I’d describe the circuit as very technical and also a very typical Hermann Tilke circuit. It will be interesting to get the reactions from the other drivers. I spoke briefly with Jerome D’Ambrosio who drove the 2010 Lotus Formula 1 car as well for about four or five laps until the engine went and he thought some aspects could be interesting, we’ll just have to wait and see. The presentation of the track, all the safety all amenities are fabulous, they are really up to standard. It has some great qualities as far as the elevations, that puts character into the circuit. It has at least three I’d like to think good overtaking points per lap which could be interesting to see. So in general I’m very happy with the way the circuit has come out.

Q: Going back to the elevation of Turn One in particular, it’s already raised many eyebrows in the F1 paddock, how challenging do you think it will be for the drivers when they go into Turn One on the first lap with heavy fuel loads?

MA: Well I’m actually a bit concerned about the first lap mainly because it’s so slow, it looks to me like a first gear corner. You are doing a one-eighty, you are going up hill, very wide, very inviting to overtake and then all-of-a-sudden it chokes right up. I hope we don’t have an issue there at the start of the race, but it looks like it could be an issue, but it is what it is and the drivers will have to deal with it.

Q: The Circuit of the Americas is the first ever purpose-built F1 circuit in the United States. How do you think this will assist the image of F1 in the U.S., in comparison with the likes of NASCAR and IndyCar?

NASCAR is one of the most popular forms of motor sport in America, with a race practically every week.

MA: This should be huge, obviously as you said it’s purpose-built, we here in the U.S. we have many classic road circuits throughout but none of them have ever kept up to the standards like the rest of the world. So finally we have one where you can clearly and openly host Formula 1, so that in itself should really strengthen the Formula 1 fan base, I think it creates a lot of curiosity from fans from other disciplines. IndyCar fans are Formula 1 fans because of the road racing aspect and even many NASCAR fans that I’ve talked to are interested in Formula 1, so overall to have an event which we can look forward to every year, have a solid base, I think it will make a huge difference here to cultivate even further the Formula 1 fans here in the U.S.

Q: Now you’ve driven on many of America’s most iconic circuits during your career, such as Long Beach and Watkins Glen. Are there any other tracks in the U.S. which you can compare the Circuit of the Americas to, or is this new track completely unique?

MA: Well the track is completely unique, I don’t think you could ever compare to tracks anywhere in the world, each track has its own character and so forth. Some of my favorites as far as layouts like Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin, Road America which is four-miles per lap and is fabulous as far as overtaking. From every drivers standpoint it’s got the slow bit, it’s got the fast bit and all of the characteristics that I think a driver likes. But it’s not up to standards, but here at least as far as the layout I’ll be very curious to get the reactions from the drivers once they start practicing.

Q: New Jersey have plans on also hosting a Formula 1 event, however the inaugural race has been postponed until 2014. How confident are you that a race will eventually be held around the streets of New Jersey and do you think it’s important that the U.S. once again hosts two F1 races in one season?

MA: Well first of all I don’t know if I can express confidence that that race will be on, I’ve been told by the principals that they’re working very hard and that they’re committed, so I have to take that for face value and I hope it does happen. And the second part of your question, can the U.S. host two races, I think absolutely! I mean look at NASCAR and the crowds that they draw, they have a race every week. So I don’t think that will be an issue, especially with the size of this country and so forth, having a race in the proximity of New York which is the financial centre of the world so to speak, I think it would bode very well for the sponsors and everything else.

Q: We saw an incredibly entertaining race last time out at Abu Dhabi, however which driver has impressed you most throughout this unique Formula 1 season?

MA: Well it’s pretty tough at this stage to bet against Sebastian [Vettel], he has shown enormous strength in the last few races especially. They [Red Bull] really found something, but the relentless Fernando Alonso is never to be counted out either, so it’s great to see that Fernando is maintaining a very positive attitude and ready to right to the very last lap. You could see this going on to the last race, but you could also see the World Champion crowned right here in Austin, so all of that is exciting from the standpoint of creating the buzz. It is great for Austin as well that there could be a protagonist for the World Championship at the first race at that venue. All of it is exciting. As you mentioned Abu Dhabi was just phenomenal, you had just about everything happening even some old-style retirements while leading. I was just talking to my assistant, do I ever commiserate and understand what Lewis Hamilton was going through in the last couple of races whilst leading and controlling the race. The same situation happened with me back in ’77, any one of the two races that I dropped out of big-time whilst leading would have meant a World Championship instead of third place so I know how devastating that can be, but at the same time it’s a benefit to someone else. After all of this it was great to see Kimi [Raikkonen] with a Lotus prevail, it was wonderful to see the brand in winners circle again and Kimi as well and his comeback. Many great things coming on and the fabulous drive from Sebastian but he was also aided a couple of times by the safety car situation so there were unbelievable things [were] happening in one hour and a half.

Hamilton remains under the spotlight due to his controversial decision to leave McLaren for Mercedes.

Q: Lewis Hamilton is going to Mercedes next season, what do you think of his decision to leave McLaren?

MA: Well it’s really difficult to comment on that, from where I stand I would never have done that, obviously. Mercedes have not proven to be a winning team at the moment and he is leaving a winning team, so he must know something. And on the other side I certainly hope, I would love, to see Mercedes be one of the top, one of the potential winners week in and week out. I think it’s a strong brand, it’s wonderful for Formula 1 and I think if they can start winning I think it will probably assure their continued support of Formula 1, again it has got all of these connotations to it. But going back to Lewis Hamilton’s decision, I hope he doesn’t regret it, that’s all.

Q: Sergio Perez is replacing Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, do you think Sergio Perez will fit in well with Jenson Button and the team?

MA: Well I’m sure that he will, he will be the junior driver but talk about a winner! I mean the winner out of this whole thing is Sergio Perez, to get a break like this to go from Sauber to McLaren is a dream come true for any young driver. He’s one for sure who can rejoice from this move by Lewis Hamilton, taking his seat.

Q: The first race around the Circuit of the Americas, as you said, could decide the World Championship between Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso. How amazing would it be for the fans to witness the crowning of the Champion at the first race?

MA: It would be absolutely amazing, it would be great, it would be just another wonderful story about it. It would be history being made, the very first race at this circuit, the very first race of any kind. Having the ultimate motor sport discipline there and crowning a World Champion, are you kidding? History!

Q: And finally, who do you think deserves to win the 2012 Championship?

Could Fernando Alonso snatch the Championship away from Sebastian Vettel?

MA: Well it’s hard to put it into terms, I mean they all deserve it, everyone that’s up there in the play they all deserve it. The one thing I must say is that Fernando Alonso in some ways has fought a situation uphill throughout the entire season, his car is not a potential winner week in and week out but he has taken advantage, he has won two races and they were all under adverse conditions so he took advantage of every little bit that he could, as I said under different conditions, and you’ve got to give him a lot of credit for that and that’s why if he wins this Championship it could potentially be the most satisfying Championship for sure because of the way he fought for it!

Many thanks to Patty Reid, Amy Hollowbush and Mario Andretti for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture(s) Copyright © Circuit of the Americas, Getty Images, McLaren F1 Team & Pirelli