Live from Silverstone with Jaime Alguersuari

Hello Jaime, you have been the Pirelli test driver for a few months now, how many test sessions have you completed and how many will you be doing by the end of the year?

We have done two test sessions so far. We have planned 6 more sessions for a total length of 13 to 14 times a Grand Prix.

What is your role during these testing sessions?

The objective is to develop the products for 2013. We conduct several types of tests, 10-lap stints, over 15-lap stints, three-lap stints, it depends on the type of rubber we want to test and the data we want to collect.

What are the differences between the role of a test driver for Pirelli and a racing driver role?

At the wheel of a Formula 1 test car, it’s important because you are developing a product, and you are only focused on that. Your main concern is the tires. During a race, you think about many other things besides the tires, you think about aerodynamics, the engine, mechanical settings, so many things that can vary over a weekend. Whereas for tire testing, you have only one thing in mind, you don’t play with the settings or balance, you work solely on the tires.

It’s a very difficult job and a real challenge. It’s an important experience for me and for my future in Formula 1 because I’m learning a lot of things I didn’t know even when I was in Formula 1 and I can tell you that many drivers racing in Formula 1 do not know everything that goes on with the tires. It’s a real challenge for me to have this role with Pirelli and to learn so many things.

Have you mentioned your future, do you think it’s possible to return to Formula 1 in 2013?

Yes.

Do you already have any contacts with teams?

Yes.

Would you prefer to stay with Pirelli or become a racing driver again?

Returning to motorsport is where I need to be. I spent 3 years in Formula 1, and I have dedicated 6/7 years to single-seater racing to work towards this, and my future is here (in F1). Now, I am developing my career by being a test driver for Pirelli, which is a great opportunity to better understand tires and to grow as a driver. But of course, my objective is to return to racing.

Are you going to return to a small team – like HRT, Marussia – or to a more prestigious team?

No, I need to track my progress. I scored 31 points in Formula 1, I need to return to Formula 1 by following my progression, I can’t go backwards. I’m 22 years old and the only thing I think about is fighting more often at the front. My best result in Formula 1 was two 7th places, three 8th places, and two 10th places and with the car we had and the situation we were in with Toro Rosso two years ago, I think it had been a good season no matter what. My situation for next year is good actually, it depends on market movements for next year and then we’ll see, we’ll find a solution, my agents and I, and we’ll decide where to race.

Do you think you could return to a Red Bull team, Toro Rosso or Red Bull Racing?

No. You never know what might happen, but I don’t think so. It’s unlikely to happen. You never know what can occur in your life, but I think it’s improbable.

Which team do you dream of racing for?

Any team that allows me to fight for the top 10 is welcome. My goal is to be in a car that can regularly get me into the top 10, top 8. You always have a chance to aim for the podium, as we have seen this year with Williams and Sauber, teams like them with single-seaters that can regularly compete for a top 10 or top 8, and suddenly, they land a podium, so for me, it would be great to join a team that allows me to fight for the top 10 (and therefore points).

Do you think your experience with Pirelli will make you stronger for 2013 if you return to F1?

Yes, absolutely. It’s a very positive point for me because I’m not only learning how to manage the tires, I’m also learning how the tires are constructed, their specifications, their profiles at the front, at the rear, how the tires work in contact with the ground. By returning to the pits and discussing with the Pirelli people, I know how the tire behaved, how worn the tire is given the temperature, the tire footprint, and so many things you learn not just by driving but also by talking with the engineers and the people at Pirelli. All of this is a big whole that makes a difference.

So is that a big plus for you?

Yes, clearly. It’s much better than any third driver role, I drive much more, and I think I’m learning much more, especially regarding the tires. We have a very good car, the 2010 Renault R30, and I can tell you that the car is amazing to drive, it’s so smooth and easy. There’s a big difference compared to what I’ve driven in the past (with Toro Rosso, notably).

How many kilometers have you traveled?

We did about 1500 kilometers of testing. So much more than a reserve driver or a test driver.

From our special correspondent in Silverstone