11/09/2010
NEWS STORY
Following his pole position in this morning's qualifying session in Monza, Esteban Gutierrez became the first GP3 Series Champion.
Esteban, first ever GP3 Series champion. How does that sound for you?
Well I think the team and everybody behind the project - sponsors, my family, my brothers, my girlfriend and all of Mexico and Latin America is really part of this, because part of my motivation is the support I receive from the people.
We have really been trying to do our best to be precise and intelligent in the team. To work together with synergy in a friendly way and we are a very close team which I think this makes for a really good, positive mentality throughout the season. Our main focus was not only to win races and the championship, but to be consistent and to finish every race and really to keep a high level of speed in a consistent way. We have been achieving this from the beginning, and this is why we are happy and satisfied with the season - not only did we accomplish the championship, but we accomplished it in a very strong way.
I really appreciate the support from every person, including everyone that is here with me from the team. It was a really enjoyable season, and we spent a really good time together. We still have two races to go and need keep our focus and try to get at least one more win for the season.
We see the work that goes in to winning races at the circuit, but what's the work level behind the scenes, that people don't see?
I live in Paris close to the team so I visit the factory quite often and have meetings with my engineer, the owner of the team and my mechanics to keep up good communication. I think this give positive motivation for everybody. The work behind the scenes is a lot of work that you do not see at the track but we work on data analysis and setup which has been very important this season as it was the first season of GP3 series.
You had a very strong season a couple of years ago in Formula BMW which put your name out there. This year was the first year of GP3. What was the thought process in your mind about coming to GP3 rather than anywhere else? What swung it for you?
Well it was a really hard decision to make between Formula 3 and GP3, but we decided to go with GP3. Yes, Formula BMW was positive and Formula 3 was very very positive, I learned a lot and the experience was very valuable, so we came to GP3 with a very strong mind and team. I think it was the best decision we could have made this season.
ART were the first GP2 team champion and now they are the first in GP3. How did driving for ART come about for you? What difference did it make? Do you think you would have won with another team?
Well basically I feel in the team I want to have a good relationship with every mechanic, not only my mechanic but all the mechanics to receive the energy and support that is around the people. I felt this in F3 last year and this is very important to me. It's not just the results on the table, I don't say this is the team champion so this is where I'm going to go. Most important is to feel good and enjoy the work. You want to have a good atmosphere. I mean this is my work, my profession. I think to be the most professional we have to keep this mentality. I really want to thank Fred for giving me the opportunity to race in his team. It has been a really good experience with some nice moments, and hopefully we can continue like this next year as well.
You're seen very much as the man heading to Formula One. A lot of the guys there have been watching this season and have seen what you can do. What are your thoughts for next season?
To be honest, I don't think too much about the future, I just try to enjoy the present because I'm already doing what I like. I'm already doing my profession and need to work and be physically present in the moment - this is the main thing. The future will come in time, and because of the action you take in the moment so we just have to think about right now. Of course it's important to have a plan, and this will come.