17/11/2006
NEWS STORY
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BMW's new sensation Sebastian Vettel is in Macau, taking part in the 53rd running of the famous Grand Prix at the Guia Circuit.
Pitpass' Stewart Bell caught up with BMW test driver, Sebastian Vettel, who, having finished runner-up in the Formula 3 Euroseries this season, would very much like to follow in the footsteps of other racers who have won in Macau then gone on to greater things, including Ayrton Senna, who won here in 1983, and Michael Schumacher (1990).
You have just been so impressive this year - how has this year been for you, according to your expectations?
Sebastian Vettel: You know, everything went quite quick. At first, I didn't reach the goal I wanted to reach - I was second in the Formula 3 Euroseries. But apart from that, I think it was quite a good season. I had the chance to be a third driver in Formula 1, which was fantastic for me. It was definitely good fun. It has been a good season.
What is the BMW Sauber F1.06 like to drive?
SV: It's just way beyond anything I ever thought it would be. It's just fantastic to feel the speed and the braking. It was a hard work - to hold an f1 car on the circuit is a job in itself. To drive quickly is another thing. I enjoyed it. I just did the job and did not care how it looked like, or what people might think of it. I think that's the key, really.
The F1.06 seems very stable and that must give you confidence to push it to the limit, as you've done in practice, why do you think the car has been so competitive this year?
SV: I mean, we improved a lot this year. When you see where the team started in the beginning to where we finished, the car improved a lot. We worked hard and I did all I could - and that's my job for next year as test driver to actually develop the car, to give a better car to the race drivers. But I think we are in a good position for next year. The car, it is a package. We did not improve just the front wing, it was nothing specific; however you put it all together and then you get the big difference. A little part here, a little part there, a hundredth here, a hundredth there, and suddenly you find one tenth. The next race, you find another tenth. After four races, you make up maybe half a second. That makes a big difference.
How difficult is it moving between the Formula 1 and Formula 3 Euroseries car?
SV: It's a big difference. Obviously, they're completely different cars. In Formula 3, you have to fight a bit more. That doesn't mean that the Formula 1 car is easier to drive, you just have to be clean. If you slide a bit, you lose a lot of speed and then you have the straight line following. In Formula 3, there's more to feel and you can work a bit more.
You've been consistently quick during the Friday practice sessions, how do you mentally prepare yourself before and during the sessions?
SV: I didn't know much of the circuits before I arrived. I tried to get to know them by Playstation or video using the onboard camera footage from last year and that's basically it. Everything else I had to do on the Friday.
How have Robert and Nick helped you in your first year?
SV: Not really. I mean, obviously you go out alone and they don't sit next to you - so they cannot really help you. My job this year was to help them, and that's what I tried my best to do. I did everything I could. I think it was a good result.
What have you found to be most challenging when driving an F1.06?
SV: Getting used to the late braking! You just arrive at the corner at 300 and brake unbelievably late. I mean if you did it in your road car, it would be like just driving into a wall. That's what it is like.
Which circuit did you enjoy the most?
SV: Suzuka. It is the ultimate package. It has everything - fast chicanes, slow chicanes, fast corners, slow corners. It is just fantastic to drive on.
You were runner-up in this year's Formula 3 Euroseries championship with four wins and 75 points. Although you did not win, what positives can you take from the year's racing?
SV: I think we had enough speed to win the championship. However, we had a few problems in qualifying and I made a few mistakes at the end that decided the championship. You know, I pushed as hard as I could. If you drive on the limit, you can very easily make a mistake. I tried not to, but what can I say - I made a mistake.
You took third at Macau last year, and are looking to be one of the top contenders come Sunday, how have you prepared for this race?
SV: I watched the videos of last year - including the onboard camera footage. Then we went down with the mini moke to get another idea about the track and what they've changed - like for this year, they've resurfaced the track in a few places. That's all you can do, really.
How do you think your car will perform here this weekend?
SV: I think we are able to run at the front - otherwise I wouldn't have come here.
What would a win at Macau on Sunday mean to you?
SV: A lot. It's a very tough race, a big race. It's the best track in the world. So it would be a real pleasure to win here.
A final question about the new Friday sporting regulations at Grands Prix next year, excited about the two 90 minute sessions?
SV: Every year you have some changes. For the drivers, we just go out, no matter if it is 60 minutes or 90 minutes. It's a bit longer, so it's a bit better - but we have less testing next year, so we'll see.