28/10/2015
NEWS STORY
For seven years from 1986-'92, Mexico hosted one of Formula One's great power races. Three long straights, broken up by a demanding Esses section and the infamous Peraltada final corner, gave the track a distinctly Monza-like character which was tremendously popular among drivers, despite the punishing bumps. The altitude of 7500ft also ensures both man and machine are tested to and beyond their limit. The Hermanos Rodriguez circuit is back for 2015, with circuit reprofiling by Hermann Tilke and new pit and paddock facilities. Williams is on a hat trick of Mexican Grand Prix victories, having claimed the last two races there in 1991 and 1992 with Riccardo Patrese and Nigel Mansell respectively.
Valtteri Bottas: The track and place is new to me, so I am looking forward to finding out more about both. I like spicy foods so that is one thing I am looking forward to. As a track it looks interesting with high and low speed corners and a very long straight. It will be interesting to see how the high altitude has an effect on the cooling of the cars but also its physical effects on me as a driver. I was too young to watch the race last time they were in Mexico, but the track has been changed. I hear there will be a lot of fans so I am looking forward to meeting them.
Felipe Massa: It's the first time I have ever been to Mexico so I am excited to go there. The track has a lot of history in Formula One, even though it has changed a little bit. I hear the tickets sold out in less than a week, so there is clearly a passion for motorsport. The track has a very long straight and some high speed corners, but also some very slow elements too. It is hard to say exactly what it will be like until we have driven it, but I am looking forward to it.
Rob Smedley: Mexico is an unknown for us all. It has been a while since Formula One has been there but as engineers we are looking forward to the challenge. We have to bounce back from a difficult Grand Prix in Austin and we are confident we can do that. We have to make sure we take away all the points that are on offer and play to our strengths to maintain the gaps to our rivals in the Championships.