Felipe Drugovic shared his impressions of the new AMR23 car with the Aston Martin F1 press office and his hopes to continue his career in Formula 1 as he dreams of becoming the next Brazilian to win the Grand Prix.
Q: To be honest, do you feel ready to drive an Aston Martin?
Felipe Drugovich: Yes, I am fully prepared, 100%.
Q: After a few days filled with work on the tests – have you at least managed to catch your breath?
Felipe Drugovich: The schedule was insanely tight these days, but I set myself up to get as much experience as possible during the tests. It is important to be able to seize the moment and enjoy it.
Q: Were you very concerned when you first took to the track behind the wheel of a new Formula 1 car, in which the work of hundreds of people had been invested?
Felipe Drugovich: In any case, it’s four wheels and a steering wheel – if you’re a professional racer, you need to keep calm and fully concentrate on your job. For me, about 700 specialists were good at their job and I am just the next link in this chain.
Question: You flew with the AMR21, AMR22 and AMR23. How would you compare them?
Felipe Drugovich: AMR21 is quite different from the other two, as it was created when very different technical regulations were in effect. It is much softer than the AMR22 and AMR23, they have a much stiffer suspension.
The AMR23 is a very fast car and makes a good impression. It’s a pleasure to fly, much more fun than last year’s AMR22. It is less prone to longitudinal build-up at high speeds, its behavior on the track is more stable.
But in tests it’s hard to understand what tasks your rivals solve, so we’ll have to wait before we find out how we look against their background. But it feels like the team has taken a big step forward with the AMR23.
Q: In the team you work with Fernando Alonso, two-time world champion, and he can be considered a good guide. To what extent do his impressions and comments about the AMR23 match yours?
Felipe Drugovich: I’m very curious myself. I hope we evaluate the car in the same way, and if this is true, the team will have an absolutely clear idea in which direction the chassis needs to be upgraded. I have the opportunity to constantly learn from Fernando – it’s great that I can compare my work to what he does.
Q: Emerson Fittipaldi, Carlos Pase, Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna, Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Massa have won Grand Prix over the years. But since 2009, no Brazilian rider has managed to climb to the top of the podium. What needs to be done to get Felipe Drugovic’s name on this glorious list?
Felipe Drugovich: So that I get the racer’s place from the main composition! And besides that, I just have to keep doing what I’m doing – trying to improve my professional skills and fly better every day. It also requires a bit of luck as it is important to be in the right place at the right time. But I will do everything in my power to do this.
Q: How were you received in the paddock? How did the riders who already competed in the World Championship react to you? You are considered one of the brightest young talents, and now you become their competitor as you apply for a spot on the team…
Felipe Drugovich: There is a difference between young drivers and older drivers. For example, a professional like Fernando is respected by everyone, but I still have to gain respect. Fernando is respected for all his achievements, but I hope I can earn that respect too.
Q: You’re a test driver and reserve driver, so you need to be ready to go to the start of the Grand Prix – you never know when you’ll be asked to get behind the wheel. How do you rate this situation from a psychological point of view?
Felipe Drugovich: Maintaining full concentration all year round is quite difficult. I have to be ready all the time, although there is a good chance that I will not be able to go to the start. The main thing is to stay calm and be in shape. One day there may be a chance to get behind the wheel of a combat vehicle, so I have to be ready to give my best to the task.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
