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

Mitch Evans Graduates To GP2 With Arden International

Reigning GP3 Series Champion Mitch Evans has successfully completed the graduation to the GP2 Series with Arden International, following on from a sensationally competitive 2012 season with the outfit in GP3. The 18-year-old Kiwi will partner Johnny Cecotto jr. at the team, as they aim for Championship glory in the coming season.

Throughout his second season in GP3 last year, Mitch Evans enjoyed a tremendous year with MW Arden. The Kiwi started the season in fine form at the Spanish Grand Prix with victory in the feature race, before taking further victories at Valencia and Hockenheim including several podium finishes. Evans only retired from one of the 16 races all season, and eventually clinched the Championship after a thrilling conclusion at the Italian Grand Prix by only two points over the Lotus of Daniel Abt.

“Firstly I’d like the thank Arden for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to drive with them in GP2 after two greats years in GP3,” explained Mitch Evans. “I want to thank Mark Webber and Ann Neal and everyone behind the scenes that have made this possible, I am hugely grateful for the chance to race in the GP2 series. I have full trust in the team that they will give me the best opportunity to have a successful rookie season. I cannot wait for the season to get underway.”

Mitch Evans will become only the second driver from New Zealand to compete in the GP2 Series, as he and Johnny Cecotto jr. aim for another competitive season for Arden International in 2013. During the previous season, Arden were locked in a season-long battle at the sharp end of the Championship as Luiz Razia battled against the DAMS of Davide Valsecchi. Both Evans and Cecotto jr. know how to win races, and both will be striving to do so once the action gets underway in Sepang in March.

Picture Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service

Mitch Evans Q&A

After making his debut in the GP3 Series last year, New Zealander Mitch Evans has his eyes firmly set on success as he gears up to begin his second season in GP3 with MW Arden. The Kiwi is set for a grueling season, as he and his team-mates’ aim to end the dominance of Lotus ART who have won the last two Championships in GP3.

With a final pre-season test scheduled for next week at Silverstone, Mitch Evans looks ahead to what has the potential to be an important year in the 17-year-old’s career.

 

Q: With only one pre-season test session remaining before the season opening race in Spain, do you feel fully prepared heading into your second season in GP3? 

Mitch Evans: I’m feeling pretty good, we have tested a few things but there’s still a lot of things that we will test at Silverstone at our last test. But we will be fully prepared heading into the first race.

 

Q: After winning the feature race in Spain last season, do you feel you could win further races this season?

ME: I hope so! Well, that’s the plan any way.

 

Q: With Lotus ART winning the two previous titles in GP3, do you think MW Arden have a chance to become Champions in 2012?

ME: I believe MW Arden have the potential to become Champions this year, definitely. The team works very hard, and they are very professional with great personnel.

 

Q: With your team-mates Matias Laine and David Fumanelli posting competitive times during pre-season testing, do you expect a tough season-long battle within MW Arden?

ME: Yeah of course, I think that’s just natural between team-mates. Both Matias and David are good blokes, and I think we will work well together to push the team forward.

 

Q: There have been 8 New Zealander’s in Formula 1, is it your career aim to become the 9th?

ME: That is one of my aims, the other is to become World Champion.

 

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

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service

 

Aaro Vainio Tops Final Day Of GP3 Estoril Test

After Nico Müller set the benchmark yesterday at the Circuito do Estoril, Finnish driver Aaro Vainio rose to the top on the final day of the GP3 test for Lotus GP. The 18-year-old set a time which was a second quicker than Müller yesterday, with a 01:30.466.

In the morning session, New Zealander Mitch Evans set the initial pace for MW Arden. However, after only 30 minutes into the day’s running, the Lotus of Aaro Vainio went top, as he continued his impressive form after finishing within the top four on day one.

As the day wore on, it became apparent that Vainio’s position atop the timing sheets was set to be unchallenged. However, GP3 rookie Tio Ellinas completed a very impressive morning session finishing 2nd, a tenth behind Aaro Vainio. The Cypriot, driving for Marussia Manor Racing, continued his pace in the afternoon session as he set the fastest lap with a 01:30.862, four tenths off Vainio’s overall pace.

Swiss driver, Patric Niederhauser, also improved throughout the day. He ended yesterday’s running 16th overall, however he shot up to 7th in today’s morning session before going 2nd fastest in the afternoon session. Niederhauser completed 70 laps for Jenzer Motorsports today, and was the fastest driver for the team all day.

There were two red flag periods throughout the day, both unfortunately caused by rookie Vicky Piria. The 18-year-old spun her car into the gravel as she got to grips in only her second day racing a GP3 car. She makes her debut with Trident Racing in 2012, and is currently the only confirmed driver for the team for 2012.

As the afternoon session got underway, Matias Laine for MW Arden and Antonio Felix da Costa for Carlin set the initial pace, with Miki Weckstrom for Status Grand Prix also setting fast laps. Antonio Felix da Costa was continuing his impressive form after ending the morning session 3rd fastest, only two tenths off Vainio’s pace.

In the last hour of the afternoon session, Cypriot Tio Ellinas went fastest with Patric Niederhauser following him in second place. The overall times in the afternoon session were roughly a second slower than the times set in the morning period, which resulted in Vainio ending the day fastest overall.

The next GP3 pre-season test session will take place at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Barcelona on the 12-13th March.

Picture Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Media Service