Pique Q & A
By Renault F1
March 10 2008
Question and answer session with Renaults rookie driver Nelson Pique ahead of his first race in Formula 1 in Australia. Brazilian Pique talks about his hopes and expectations ahead of the Australian Prand Prix and his thoughts on pre season testing aswells his state of mind
Nelson, you are only a few days away from you first race in Formula 1. What is your state of mind at the moment?
These last few weeks have been busy with testing and I have been
concentrating on my work and preparation so that I am ready for
Melbourne. But I still don’t feel like a race driver yet because I have
only been doing testing, just like I was last year as the third driver
for the ING Renault F1 Team. I think that when I arrive at the track
and start working with my engineers I will begin to realise what I am
about to do.
You have covered a lot of laps this winter. How did it feel to get behind the wheel of the R28?
Yes,
I have done lots of running this winter, which was essential for my
physical and technical preparation. I feel I have progressed a lot
during testing and I feel at ease in the R28. We still need to work
hard to improve our performance, but the whole team is determined, and
there is a good feeling in the team. Everyone is giving their maximum
to take the team forwards and I am doing the same.
What are you expecting from your first Grand Prix?
It
is a new circuit for me and I hope that I can find my feet quickly. I
feel I have done everything in order to be ready, but the only way to
get fully prepared is to do laps on the circuit. Only then can you
really have an idea of the layout of the track, how to use the cubs and
the best lines. I need to work well with my engineers to set up my car
and then I need to get the best of it. I’m very competitive and I would
like to score points in my first race, but I recognise that these
things can take time. Above all, I want to approach this first race
calmly, one step at a time.
I had the opportunity to do many laps this winter, so today I am physically prepared, although I have my doubts as to whether the Malaysian Grand Prix will be as easy! As a team we have gone through the different procedures that I will have to deal with during races, because racing is different to testing and I know that I will face new pressures. I think that I am ready, and above all I am looking forward to the start of the season. I have worked all my life to get here, and it is a great feeling to be starting my first race in Melbourne. I’m conscious that I have a lot to prove this year, but I’m determined to do my best.