Speedcar: Q&A with Jean Alesi

31/05/2007

New Speedcar Series driver and former F1 and DTM star Jean Alesi spoke on his move to the series from his home in Switzerland.

How did you find out about the Speedcar Series?
Jean Alesi: I met Benoit Lamonerie and Luciano Secchi, the promoters of Speedcar, at last year's Italian Grand Prix. I knew them very well and I know that they are very concrete people. I immediately understood that they had the resources to organise a great series when they told me about the Nascar-style idea they had for Asia and the Middle East. It sounded exciting, and made me think of what I would like to do in the next stage of my racing career.

Why did you decide to enter?
JJA: Benoit and Luciano told me the idea was to have drivers at Formula 1 level racing against each other to deliver a great show. I thought this would be great, as it would make a special atmosphere and be very enjoyable, with many friends from F1 coming together to race again. It will also be a different experience to race in the winter, as many championships have already finished their seasons, which I think will attract many fans to Speedcar Series.

What are your first impressions of the car?
JJA: I love the car, it is completely different to everything I have driven in the past. It has a lot of power, makes a great noise, and is fun because it doesn't have any aerodynamic aids like F1 or DTM. It's mechanically very well balanced, but you cannot take it to the limit easily, that requires a lot of skill. It is much more difficult to drive than a DTM car.

Do you think there will be a lot of overtaking on the track?
JJA: Definitely! The cars have earlier braking points than many others I've driven, which will make it much easier to overtake. It will be very exciting, as the cars allow the driver the make the difference, so fans will see lots of skill. I'm really looking forward to the start of the championship this winter as there will be some spectacular racing.

Will the association with GP2 Asia help the Speedcar Series?
JJA: Speedcar is strong enough to succeed on its own, but GP2 Asia's deal to join with the series will make a strong association that will help both. GP2 Asia will give young drivers the chance to learn closely from the experienced drivers in Speedcar, and move forward to F1.