With only two days left for the start of the 2009 GP2 season at Barcelona, Fat Burner Racing Engineering's Lucas Di Grassi is eager to get behind the wheel to demonstrate he can be one of the 2009 title contenders. The Brazilian is confident that all preparation done during the winter period will pay off this season and hopes to achieve great results with his Spanish team.

Lucas, the start of the new GP2 season is just around the corner. Excited?
Lucas Di Grassi: Of course I am! The beginning of a new season is always a very special moment and even more when you are with a new team as you want to deliver. I believe we have prepared everything well and to perfection during the last few months. We are ready for the new championship to kick off in Barcelona this weekend.

What are your expectations for this upcoming season in GP2?
LdG: Like always, I will obviously try and do my best. My focus is on my performance and not directly on results. If our performance throughout this season is good, the results are the logic consequence.

Many of your competitors have been racing in the GP2 Asia Series. In your opinion, when they get to Barcelona this weekend, are they having an advantage over drivers who have not?
LdG: No, I don't think so. The car, the tyres, and most of the drivers, are different from the ones we use in the Main Series. I don't see any of them having an advantage because they have competed in the GP2 Asia Series.

You joined Fat Burner Racing Engineering for 2009. What were your first impressions about your new team?
LdG: I am very happy and satisfied with the team's work and competence. My first impressions are really good and I believe that together we can achieve great results this year.

You have a very good relationship with your new team-mate Dani Clos. Do you think this will affect your and also his performance?
LdG: Dani has been a great team-mate during the pre-season. I am sure he will do a great championship and will fight to win races. Being a rookie in this category does not mean he will make things easier for me! It's beneficial for everyone to have a driver pairing that gets along well, but especially, if both are fast. I am convinced that Dani will also push me further to make the best out of everything.

There are few rookies participating in the 2009 GP2 Series, so the competition can be regarded as high. Who do you regard as your biggest rivals this season and why?
LdG: Racing in GP2 has always been very competitive and I do not think this year will be different, so any driver is a rival. I don't make a difference between them. I treat them all equally and focus on my own performance.

Bridgestone have chosen new tyre compounds for 2009. What do you think will be the consequences of this decision and especially in regards to the first races in Barcelona?
LdG: Qualifying and races will definitely be more difficult. The softer tyres are faster, so lap times will improve, but there is more tyre wear. Therefore strategy, car set up and driving style will influence a lot and make a big difference.