06/07/2016
NEWS STORY
Given the amount of times he's driven at Silverstone, Kevin Magnussen regards the British Grand Prix as taking place almost at home...
What do you think of Silverstone and the British Grand Prix?
Kevin Magnussen: It's one I look forward to. There's a great atmosphere with all the fans who are always so enthusiastic for the race and you feel all the excitement when you drive in each morning. Unfortunately, there's no Danish Grand Prix so I do look on this one as being almost a home Grand Prix for me. So many Formula 1 teams are based within an hour of Silverstone that many other teams and drivers look on it in a similar way so this does give it a special feeling.
What is it about the circuit?
KM: The high speed corners are great, particularly Maggots and Becketts and you really feel like you're driving a Formula 1 car the way it's meant to be driven. It has a great flow to it and there's usually a full crowd cheering you on. There are good opportunities to overtake and you never know what surprise the British weather might produce.
What are your best Silverstone memories?
KM: I've raced there many times but in particular I had pole, fastest lap and the race win in British Formula 3 in 2011 and then a podium and a win in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2012 so those are good memories. I scored points there in Formula 1 in 2014 so to repeat that this season would make me and the team happy.
What's the approach to this race?
KM: We always head to a race wanting the best result possible. Austria showed that the car isn't as bad as it has looked in the last few street races where it's no secret that we struggled. The safety car timing didn't help us and I wasn't able to push at the end of that race but in general I think we're quite well placed looking to Silverstone.
Nevermind the various ball-based sports or political machinations rumbling on; Jolyon Palmer is a man on a mission for his first ever home Grand Prix.
How are you looking forward to Silverstone?
Jolyon Palmer: I can't wait to race in front of my home crowd. I love the track and it's always a special weekend at Silverstone. The crowd is huge and so passionate even if you're not British but for a British driver it takes on an extra level.
What is it about the circuit for you?
JP: It's certainly the Formula 1 track that I know the best so I'm hoping that gives me an extra boost along with all the home fan support. There are lots of high speed corners which I really like to drive and a lap has a really good flow to it. I had my first race at Silverstone when I was fifteen so I know the place pretty well! I've been on the podium in every category I've raced in there and I've won there too. It's certainly been a good track for me till now so I hope that continues. I've got great memories so far; I'm hoping to create the most memorable memory with a terrific drive into the points there in 2016!
You seem to be pretty focused for a home result?
JP: I'm always focused for any result! It's true I'm feeling more and more confident from the last few races. I've been improving myself but also getting the car more as I want it. If we can find just a little bit more from the car then we can get into Q2 and from there you're nearer to points potential in the race.
It's quite an intense schedule of back-to-back races; does this have any bearing on you?
JP: Bring it on! I like the back to backs. I was frustrated to be just shy of the points in Austria so there's an extra motivation as the target is very close. If the safety car had played out differently in Spielberg we could have been in the top ten, but nevertheless I was pleased with my performance, with how the car was feeling and how the team was working. We're all moving in the right direction.
You and Kev were dicing a reasonable amount in Spielberg?
JP: We're both in the same car and we're both pushing hard so it's natural we will be fighting for the same piece of track. I got a great start off the line, but it's a crowded circuit and naturally Kev fought back. We were battling at other times during the race and we did have a joke about it afterwards. We're both here to race and do the best job possible for the team.
Any time to present Top Gear?
JP: My Formula 1 activities keep me far too busy to consider that, however I wouldn't mind having a go at the rallycross course...