Senna responds to his fans (II)

Dmitry: Which corners do you find the most difficult at Monza?

The Ascari chicane has always been the most difficult corner at Monza. It’s always on the limit for all cars and you can gain a lot of time there. Lesmo 2 is also a corner that is both beautiful and difficult.

Nicola Fairhurst: How do you physically prepare for races?

I do a lot of fitness and always pack my fitness equipment and muscle electro-stimulation device in my luggage. I generally use it for muscle recovery when the physiotherapist isn’t there.

Vivien: Can you translate into words the difference in feeling between the Lotus Renault GP and the car you were driving last year?

Of course, it’s a wonderful feeling to drive a car from a team that has won world championships and has such a rich history. Moreover, the R31 is a much more developed car. It gives me more pleasure and more confidence to push it to the limit. It’s faster, and the faster you are, the greater the pleasure. This time, I’m racing to score points with a competitive team, and I will put in all my efforts to improve as a driver.

Julian Levy: What moment remains the best of your career so far?

Winning the GP2 race in Monaco was a very special moment. This race is so difficult to win, and doing so brings great joy, especially in front of Pastor Maldonado who has always raced well in Monaco.

Claire: You always have a smile and you always seem happy among the fans. Do you think it’s important for a Formula 1 driver and do you really enjoy it?

Well, I acknowledge that the fans are the ones who make the sport what it is. If they weren’t there, the sport would have no interest, and I believe few people would understand that. We must appreciate the fans; they are the ones who make the difference. I am very happy to meet them and give back a little of what they give us.

Chris: What do you think you can bring to the team during this important second half of the season?

I believe I have always been able to provide good technical feedback on the car. I am convinced that I can help in setting up the car well for both the qualifications and the race. I think I learn quickly, and I will use the knowledge accumulated over the past six months as the third driver, through technical discussions, to make a strong impact and give the team the best possible chance of scoring big points again. I am sure the team will support me so that together we succeed.

Miran: What does it feel like when you go through Eau Rouge in this beautiful Lotus Renault GP with the throttle fully open?

It’s extremely special for me. Spa is my favorite track and making my debut there was crazy! I was eager to do it in the R31 and on the track I love. It was really special.

Dennis: What do you talk about with the other F1 drivers?

Normally, when we are at the circuit, we talk about track conditions, the circuit’s environment, and sometimes how to take certain corners. Every time I am with experienced drivers, especially the Brazilians, Massa and Rubens (Barrichello), I ask them, ‘Do you take this corner flat out, do you take that one with the DRS, what do you do?’ and they help me a lot.

David: Did Ayrton really say “If you think I’m fast, you should see my nephew”?

There’s no pressure there, or am I wrong? No, he said it right. Of course, he paid great attention to me when I was racing go-karts against him at the farm. We were doing similar times even though I was only nine or ten years old. Of course, it was pure fun because he always tried to maintain a competitive spirit in me. He always wanted to compete with me and make sure I tried to beat him. I hope he wasn’t wrong.

Marie: What is the relationship between the drivers and the team?

I think that F1 is undoubtedly the greatest team sport in the world. To win a race, you have 500 people working behind you to build your car, prepare your strategy, carry out development, prepare your meals, to ensure everything works. If everything is not 100% in order, you don’t win. People don’t realize this, they only see the driver, but the driver is just the last piece of the puzzle. At the same time, he is very important because a good car will go nowhere without a good driver. But in the same way, a good driver can do nothing without a good car. That’s why it’s so important to be in the right place at the right time.

Source: Lotus Renault GP