Pedro de la Rosa about the starting procedure…

In the traditional Aston Martin preview, team ambassador and racing veteran Pedro de la Rosa spoke about the driver’s feelings during the start…

Pedro de la Rosa: “Before the start you clearly feel the power of the cars around you. This is a special moment, imbued with the energy of people and engines.

Right now there’s just you and the car. Headphones on, helmet on, you put the visor down. Silence. Only vibrations indicate that there is an enormous force behind you. You shift into first gear and wait for the traffic light.

The first signal comes. Increase the speed to 11,000. Then the second. Third. The only thing that matters now is the traffic light. And then the lights go out.

Release the clutch to 70-80 percent. The car rushes forward. The tricky part is keeping the throttle in place when the 2.5g forces you back and lifts your foot off the pedal.

The first 10 meters after the start you must maintain the position of the accelerator pedal. The car is about to take off, you feel a slight vibration on the rear axle and the tires are slipping. Wait another two to three seconds and then fully depress the clutch.

First gear, second… The engine hits the rev limiter and you keep shifting. Cars nearby. Left right. Intervals appear and disappear. Where are you going? Which route do you choose? Decisions are made immediately; it depends on whether you are gaining ground or losing ground.

Brake first. You brake as late as possible in an attempt to squeeze the car into the eye of the needle in the space that appears in front of you.

All senses are working. The slightest movement in the mirrors, the slightest vibration of the steering wheel or seat, the sound of the engine, the smell of the tires – all this tells you what to do, but not everyone will make the right decision. You hope you will be one of them. There is no plan. Only instincts. There is you and the machine, and you and it are one.”