Live from Spa-Francorchamps with Jérôme D’Ambrosio

Jérôme, you have a busy schedule this weekend, what’s your agenda in Spa?

« There are briefings with the team, then events with partners, the media, ultimately it’s a marathon weekend. »

You weren’t on track Friday morning, which isn’t a big deal given the weather. Is there still a chance to see you on Friday morning before the end of the season?

« I think it’s something that will be decided race by race. For now, we need to put all the chances on our side so that the two main drivers achieve the best possible result simply because it’s very important for the team, it highlights the work of the 580 employees in Enstonne, which I am part of, so we all really have the same desire for the team to do as well as possible; it’s in all of our interests. There is this priority, then race by race, if there is the possibility, we will evaluate the opportunity of having me drive on Friday. But for now, the priority is really to focus on the main drivers for the championship. »

Despite everything, you remain a very active third driver, what is the job of the third driver?

« It’s a behind-the-scenes job, but I’m active because I’m present at all the Grand Prix, I participate in all the briefings. I also drove for a day at Mugello, then I did a few days in the 2010 car and above all, I do a lot of work on the simulator at the factory, so there are quite a few things to do, I have a very busy schedule, and I also have a role in the team. »

How would your approach to a Grand Prix weekend change if you were to become a main driver again in 2013?

« I think it’s the way of working that is different. Today, I have the chance to see certain things… I won’t go into details because it’s very personal; it’s a way of working, every team has its little secrets, its way of doing things. Today, I am lucky to be part of a team that can win races and compete for the championship, so naturally, it’s different and my approach will change. »

For 2013 specifically, are there discussions for a future permanent position?

« Yes, absolutely. »

If by any chance these discussions do not succeed, there is still talk of the role of third driver but with a racing program on the side: in which category would that be?

« As a driver, I’m focusing on Formula 1 and nothing else for the moment. Of course, you can come up with 36,000 hypotheses, but the sure thing is that I still have opportunities to be on the grid next season, so we’ll concentrate on that, then we’ll see.

When discussing the Spa track with the drivers, the opinion is almost unanimous in saying that it’s the most beautiful circuit in the championship. What are the secrets to being fast here? What are the key spots for a good lap?

« You have to be fast in fast corners. You need to be very thorough, very smooth. I believe you also need a big heart. The Raidillon is easily taken flat out, but it also depends on the setup and remains an impressive corner. »

The Grand Prix contract has been renewed for three seasons, I imagine that as a Belgian this news makes you happy?

« There’s Jérôme the driver who is very happy because we’re going to race for another three years on a track like Spa, it’s great, it’s fantastic. It’s the kind of circuit we love to drive on. At the same time, as a Belgian driver, I’m doubly happy about this news because it allows me to have a national Grand Prix, it’s important for sponsors and partners to have an event like this. It adds something to the opportunities available. »

At the beginning of the weekend, you had a small competition in tractors with Bertrand Baguette (Endurance) and Thierry Neuville (WRC): how did it go?

« I left quite quickly because I had a fairly busy schedule but we weren’t there for the competition, it was more to talk about the farmers’ issues. The tractor aspect was nice, we discovered something new. »

A completely crazy 2012 season with many different winners, Lotus can still win before the end of the championship, what is your perspective on this season?

« I think we’re experiencing one of the most exciting seasons in Formula 1. I don’t remember a season as close with so many drivers capable of winning. »

If you had to place a small bet on the future world champion, who would it be?

Yesterday I was asked to place a small virtual bet on the qualification and I was completely wrong, so I think I will refrain.

What does it inspire in you to see Kamui Kobayashi, your former teammate in GP2, on the front row?

« It’s great for him. »

In an interview with the Belgian daily Le Soir, Räikkönen explained that he gets along very well with you and that you have many topics of conversation, what do you talk about?

(Laughs) « About many things, about everything and nothing. Normal things. »

From our correspondent in Spa-Francorchamps.