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

Antonio Felix Da Costa To Act As Red Bull Reserve Driver In China

It has been announced that Portuguese driver Antonio Felix da Costa will act as Red Bull’s reserve driver during this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, as the outfit’s full-time reserve driver Sebastien Buemi competes in the opening round of the World Endurance Championship at Silverstone. The 21-year-old is widely regarded as Red Bull’s rising sensation, following in the footsteps of the outfit’s protege Sebastian Vettel.

Antonio Felix da Costa became part of the Red Bull Junior Team last season, whilst competing in the World Series by Renault and GP3 Series. The Portuguese driver enjoyed a tremendously competitive season in both categories, taking a combined seven victories and the victory at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix, which ultimately saw him take part in the Formula 1 Young Driver Test at Abu Dhabi for Red Bull in November. This enabled him to complete a combined total of 141 laps for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, and gather valuable knowledge behind the wheel of an F1 machine.

Since loosing his seat at Toro Rosso at the end of the 2011 season, Sebastien Buemi has continued his presence in the Formula 1 paddock as the Red Bull reserve driver. Many expect Antonio Felix da Costa to enter Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in the future, much like Sebastian Vettel did in 2008. However, with the Portuguese driver continuing to impress many throughout the lower categories, its entirely feasible that Red Bull could opt for da Costa as a replacement for Mark Webber in the future.

Despite a successful campaign in the GP3 Series last season, Antonio Felix da Costa has not opted for “graduation” through to the GP2 Series for 2013. Instead, the Portuguese ace has elected to continue competing in the World Series by Renault, otherwise known as Formula Renault 3.5. He began his 2013 campaign in the category in superlative style for Arden Caterham, winning one race at Monza.

Picture Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service

Jake Rosenzweig To Partner Rio Haryanto At Barwa Addax In 2013

Spanish GP2 team Barwa Addax have confirmed that American driver Jake Rosenzweig will partner Rio Haryanto at the outfit in the forthcoming GP2 season, after the 23-year-old competed in the final two rounds of the season for Barwa Addax last year. Rosenzweig will become the first American to compete in the Series since Scott Speed.

After enjoying Championship supremacy in 2011 with Romain Grosjean, Barwa Addax endured a relatively tough 2012 season which yielded only two victories at the hands of both Johnny Cecotto jr. and Josef Kral. The Spanish outfit finished the year only 8th in the Constructors’ Championship with 131 points scored, a tally they will be aiming to better in the coming season with a revised driving line-up which includes Rio Haryanto and American star Jake Rosenzweig.

Jake Rosenzweig’s path to the GP2 Series has included stints in both the GP2 Asia, Auto GP and Formula Renault 3.5 categories. Towards the end of the 2012 GP2 season, Jake Rosenzweig was called upon by the Spanish outfit to partner Johnny Cecotto jr. in the final two rounds of the year at Monza and Singapore, where the American driver managed to finish all four races albeit well outside the points paying positions. However, Barwa Addax were impressed with Rosenzweig’s performances during both the final two rounds of the season and the post-season tests, and he will therefore compete in his first full season of GP2 action in 2013 alongside Indonesian ace Rio Haryanto.

“I am excited to be joining Addax for the 2013 GP2 season and wish to thank all involved for making this possible.” Said Jake Rosenzweig, “Having raced in the final two rounds of the 2012 Championship with Addax, I know what an opportunity this represents to be working with them again. The race calendar has some great circuits and I am looking forward to hitting the ground running. I will do my best to score as many points as possible over the course of the season.”

Barwa Addax have become the sixth team on the grid to confirm their full driver line-up for the forthcoming season, along with DAMS, Lotus GP, Arden International, Racing Engineering and Carlin. With so many Championship contenders on the grid for the new season, 2013 is expected to be yet another sensationally exciting season of GP2 action. Both Rio Haryanto and Jake Rosenzweig will be hoping to add to the excitement once the action gets underway in March at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Antonio Felix da Costa Doesn’t Feel Added Pressure At Red Bull

Rising Red Bull protege Antonio Felix da Costa has explained how he does not feel added pressure whilst working with the Milton Keynes outfit, who have backed his World Series by Renault and GP3 endeavors this past season. After struggling to progress to GP2, da Costa found a drive in GP3 with Carlin.

After Antonio Felix da Costa’s superb start to the 2012 GP3 season, which saw him clinch pole at the season-opening round at Barcelona and 2nd place at Monaco, the Portuguese driver received a call from Red Bull asking whether he’d like to join their Junior Team. This organization has seen numerous drivers rise through the ranks of motor sport to Formula 1, including the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Jean-Eric Vergne and most notably Sebastian Vettel.

Antonio Felix da Costa enjoyed a superlatively competitive 2012 season, despite its rocky beginnings, as the 21-year-old battled for Championship glory in the GP3, Formula Renault 3.5 and also took a memorable victory at iconic Macau Grand Prix towards the end of the season. These combined results have seen Antonio Felix da Costa become widely regarded as Red Bull’s next rising sensation, and enabled him to drive for Red Bull during their Young Driver Test programme at Abu Dhabi.

Although drivers’ such as Sebastian Vettel have progressed to the top of Formula 1 thanks to the Red Bull Junior Team, the organization has been known to be extremely tough on their drivers. This was clearly evident after the 2011 season in Formula 1 when the decision was made to replace both Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari at Red Bull’s sister outfit Toro Rosso. However, Antonio Felix da Costa does not feel any added pressure at Red Bull, and understands their cut throat nature.

“You have pressure every time – it is not just being at Red Bull.” Explained Antonio Felix da Costa, in an interview with Sky Sports F1, “People talk about the Red Bull programme being very tough on a driver, but at the end of the day they are paying for you to drive and you become an employee for them.

“At the end of the day if they are paying for you to race, then they want you to win and you have to deliver, if not then you go home – that is the policy. If you are quick they take good care of you, if you are not they send you home and I think that is fair enough. Some drivers might get a second chance but that doesn’t happen often with Red Bull and I hope I won’t need one.”

After such a successful 2012 season, Antonio Felix da Costa is eyeing a potential full-time drive in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, after combining his time in the series throughout 2012 with his time in the GP3 series. However, the Portuguese driver would also like to be able to partake in several Friday practice drives in Formula 1 next season, although he is currently remaining coy on his future.

“We will have to see – I don’t know what is going on really,” said Antonio Felix da Costa, when asked about his future plans. “I have heard nothing so far and am just enjoying some holidays and waiting on a phone call from the big guys. At the moment there is not much I can say, but if it is World Series [Formula Renault 3.5], if it is F1, if it is on the simulator, I will just give it my best.”

Formula Renault 3.5, or World Series by Renault as it is also known, has produced some of the top Formula 1 drivers of recent years such as Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica. Antonio Felix da Costa could well become the next driver to break into F1 from Formula Renault 3.5, and with Red Bull backing he could most certainly become an instant front-runner with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Picture Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service

Gutierrez Officially Confirmed At Sauber, Frijns Becomes Reserve Driver

Former GP3 Champion Esteban Gutierrez has been officially confirmed alongside Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber next season, ending much speculation with regards to the second seat at the team. This confirmation will most likely leave Kamui Kobayashi without a drive next season, unless he can find a drive with another outfit.

This news was practically confirmed yesterday at the Interlagos circuit by departing driver Sergio Perez, who admitted that Hulkenberg and team-mate Gutierrez would have a decent car for next season. Although no official confirmation followed Perez’s unorthodox announcement, his fellow countryman has long been hinted at filling his vacancy. Since winning the inaugural GP3 Championship back in 2010, the 21-year-old Mexican has been associated with the Sauber outfit as their test and reserve driver.

After enjoying several highly competitive seasons in GP2 with Lotus GP, it was widely believed Gutierrez was on course to break into Formula 1. When Sergio Perez was confirmed at McLaren next season, Gutierrez became one of the leading candidates to replace him. The Mexican driver will partner outbound Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg next season, as the driving line-up at the Hinwil-based outfit completely changes for 2013.

“After three years working with Sauber I feel very grateful for all the attention I have received from everyone in the team and for all their input, which has allowed me to develop into a Formula One driver in a very progressive way.” Explained Esteban Gutierrez, “Now, after experiencing other categories of racing as an introduction to Formula One, this is the start of the real challenge to succeed at the pinnacle of motor sport. It will be a great pleasure to be racing in the same team as an experienced driver like Nico Hülkenberg. He will be a good reference point for me and will push me to adapt quickly to F1 competition so we can develop the car together with the team in the best way.”

Robin Frijns will become the teams new test and reserve driver.

With Esteban Gutierrez receiving a “promotion” within the Sauber outfit, newly-crowned Formula Renault 3.5 Champion Robin Frijns has been confirmed as the teams new reserve driver. The Dutchman greatly impressed the Swiss outfit during the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test earlier in the month, whilst testing for Sauber and Red Bull. The Dutchman took three victories on his way to Championship supremacy in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, whilst racing for Fortec Motorsports.

“I’m very happy the Sauber F1 Team has given me this opportunity.” Enthused Robin Frijns, “I would like to thank Monisha Kaltenborn and Peter Sauber for their belief and trust in me by signing me to join their team as a test and reserve driver. With this opportunity I will try to help the team as much as possible and get the chance to learn how Formula 1 works in an extremely professional environment. I am already very much looking forward to getting the 2013 season started and working together with the team.”

Throughout the 2012 season, Sauber have stepped onto the podium four times with both Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi. Despite coming agonizingly close to victory, particularly at the Malaysian Grand Prix, the team have remained a threat at each race this year. The Swiss outfit will be aiming to continue remaining competitive next season, as Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez strive for success with the outfit.

Picture(s) Copyright © Sauber Motorsport AG

Robin Frijns: “This Was Hard Work!”

Robins Frijns has experienced a tough first day at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test, as the Dutchman got his first true taste of Formula 1 machinery behind the wheel of the Sauber C31. The newly-crowned World Series by Renault Champion ended the day 4th fastest overall, behind Gary Paffett, Antonio Felix da Costa and Kevin Magnussen.

Throughout the morning period, Sauber decided to run aero work with Frijns, as the young Dutchman got to grips with Formula 1 machinery and the Pirelli tyres. Despite his many laps around the Yas Marina circuit, Sauber did not send Frijns out with qualifying fuel level. With the 21-year-old having only run on Michelin tyres before, the Pirelli tyres were completely new to him, therefore presenting a tough challenge for Frijns in the opening day of testing.

“Gosh this was hard work!” Explained Robins Frijns, “Not in the beginning but then suddenly I felt it, especially from the brakes. I am really tired now and know I have to go and exercise more. In the morning we started with installation laps so that I could get used to the car and the steering wheel, which isn’t that easy. In the afternoon I found it hard to understand the tyre compounds. I had only driven on Michelin tyres before, and with the Pirelli medium and soft compounds it was difficult for me after only one lap. I had the feeling the more careful I handled them the worse it became. There is obviously a lot to learn.”

Robin Frijns will relinquish his drive with Sauber for the remaining two days, as reserve driver and GP2 driver Esteban Gutierrez takes over driving duties for the Swiss outfit. Robins Frijns will instead test for Red Bull on the third and final day of the Young Driver Test, taking over from GP3 driver Antonio Felix da Costa.

Picture Copyright © Sauber Motorsport AG

Jake Rosenzweig Replaces Josef Kral At Barwa Addax For Monza

American driver Jake Rosenzweig will make his return to the GP2 Series this weekend in Monza, as the 23-year-old prepares to replace Josef Kral for this weekend’s penultimate race weekend of the season. This comes after Kral won last time out in Belgium, and is the second time the Czech driver has been replaced this season.

Jake Rosenzweig raced for Super Nova Racing in last season’s non-Championship final at Abu Dhabi, and has this season raced in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series (World Series by Renault) for ISR, albeit yielding slightly uncompetitive results with a personal best of 6th at Spa-Francorchamps earlier in the year. This is the third driver change ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, after Stefano Coletti moved from Coloni to Rapax, forcing Coloni to re-sign Luca Filippi to fill his vacant seat.

This change is the second time Barwa Addax have replaced Josef Kral, after the Czech driver was replaced by HRT reserve driver Dani Clos for the two back-to-back Bahrain races at the start of the season. Although the Czech driver has endured a highly uncompetitive season throughout 2012, Josef Kral did win last time out at Spa-Francorchamps. However, this was only Kral’s second finish in the points all season, and could well be the reason behind why Addax have replaced Kral with Rosenzweig.

Jake Rosenzweig will become the first American driver to partake in an official GP2 event since the inaugural season back in 2005, when Scott Speed raced for iSport International alongside Turkish driver Can Artam. Barwa Addax have won three races so far this season, with both Josef Kral and Johnny Cecotto jr. victorious throughout the year. Jake Rosenzweig will undoubtedly be striving to emulate those results, and battle at the sharp end of the field for a competitive race result once the action gets underway this weekend.

Picture Copyright © Drew Gibson/GP2 Series Media Service

Jules Bianchi To Race In FR3.5 For Tech 1 Racing

After joining Force India as their test and reserve driver for 2012, Jules Bianchi has now officially been announced as a driver for Tech 1 Racing in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, or World Series by Renault as it’s also known. The Frenchman is currently testing for Force India at Jerez in Spain.

Last season Jules Bianchi drove in the GP2 Series for Lotus ART, winning one race at British Grand Prix in the Feature Race. Throughout the season, Bianchi had various other successful results which included three second place finishes and two third place finishes.

Moving from Ferrari to Force India for 2012, Bianchi still remains on the Ferrari Young Drivers’ Programme. His move to Force India is set to allow him the opportunity to gain valuable F1 experience by competing in various Friday morning sessions throughout the 2012 season.

With this in mind, a return to GP2 in 2012 would make things difficult for the Frenchman, as the GP2 Series shadows Formula 1 throughout the season. This would therefore make racing in Friday practice sessions for Force India as well as racing in GP2 on the same day highly difficult to achieve.

“I am very happy to be driving for Tech 1 Racing in the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 Series” said Jules Bianchi, who is testing for Force India at Jerez this week. “This year is very important for my career and, as a young driver, it’s crucial to have the opportunity to race in such a competitive environment. I will do my best to help the team to achieve its goals this season. I also would like to thank Scuderia Ferrari and Sahara Force India F1 for allowing me to do so.”

The Formula Renault 3.5 Series has produced many Formula 1 drivers’ in recent years, including Fernando Alonso, Heikki Kovalainen, Robert Kubica, Sebastian Vettel, Jaime Alguersuari, Kamui Kobayashi, Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.