Juan Pablo Montoya could be called by and large a failure, because of its history in a big motor racing, he never won a single title — in «Formula 1» or in NASCAR, either in IndyCar. It could be, but if he somehow reflect on this topic. But no.
Juan Pablo is deeply care. He lives in Miami, has three children and one of the most beautiful hobby — Motorsport, because after an interview with him I hardly a motorsport otherwise than primarily a hobby of his life. Hobbies, which he does, quite professionally.
He started his career at Juan Pablo was traditional: karting, then junior «formulas». At 9 years old I have received the title in the national children's karting championship, 11 — in youth, and in 17 years has left on start Formula Renault. Then Montoya moved to Europe, winning the British «Formula 3» and received a contract for the «Formula 3000». That it will be the bridge to a future collaboration with Williams F1 first as a test driver and then race driver. This contract and make Montoya who he is to this day: a very fast, very famous, very rich and very independent. «I've been motor racing, because I like it», — he said. And it can not be forced to look at life differently.
After the «Formula», which by and large it has not reached any significant heights, although won various Grand Prix, he goes to NASCAR. However, in the five and a half seasons he spent in the «Formula 1», it got so many fans and fans like few else could boast. Personal charm, easy view of life and hedonistic aspirations, with a lively and ironic wit, good sense of humor and unique talent is always quick to find a response in humans. With such a pleasure to chat, they want to be like.
In America, by and large did not work out too Montoya: NASCAR was not his element, but he won three most famous transatlantic race «24 Hours of Daytona,» which was on prototypes. In 2014 he moved to the IndyCar. Montoya is already 39 years old, but he is willing to give odds the most young and ambitious. However, another failure: Montoya once again remains without a title.
But going at first glance unexpected story: factory team Porsche, the second year after a 16-year hiatus, serving on the Endurance World Championship and finally regained its championship, Montoya invited to the tests. Opa! This turn a striking resemblance to a similar situation two years ago when Porsche Team invited the weary and disillusioned in F1 Mark Weber, as talented as it is unrealized and unappreciated. And it was with the Porsche Weber finally won the long-awaited world title and has opened many eyes to the fact that «there is life after Formula 1». Maybe and Montoya will be the same?
In late November, on the track «Sahir» in Bahrain, Montoya once again takes part in the tests. Moreover, it shows the best results among all participants of all tests for all teams in the day. Weber is constantly in touch with him from the boxes and is closely watching the results.
There were even rumors that Montoya in 2016 to take part in the marathon «24 hours of Le Mans» for the team Porsche, because last year's winner Nico will not be able to speak because of the imposition of the calendar to the stage of «Formula 1». But, alas, the rumors proved unfounded. On the «24 Hours of Le Mans» Porsche will exhibit only two prototypes. However, as well as Audi and Toyota.
The time shown Montoya on the track «Sahir» during a three-hour series only differed from the second best time on the same Timo Bernhard Porsche 919 Hybrid prototype during qualifying before step: 1.40,861 against 1.39,670.
After tests Juan Pablo led to journalists. Well, the next day after the race, many have departed, and was able to talk in more or less the chamber atmosphere.
Honestly, before I never talked to Montoya, and it was very interesting to watch them live. The impression is very positive: even if much of his behavior and a certain game, and even then his attitude toward life causes deep sympathy. I offer you some fragments of the interview with the Colombian racing driver Juan Pablo Montoya.
— Please share with us his impressions about the Porsche 919. — I went to a variety of racing cars, and I have something to compare. 919 minutes a very powerful and very stable. It is so predictable that asks to take him out of balance. I want to make him go crazy and follow your whim. This machine is so simple (in a good way) that you risk not to feel her face, when to relax.
— Is there any difference in management style «Indy» and «le-mann» prototype? Have you studied the car before you get behind the wheel? Analyze whether the driving style? — Yes, in general, not much difference. All the same everywhere: sit behind the wheel, you get used to the car and try to squeeze out the maximum. You know, I try not to complicate your life. I mean, you can, of course, a detailed analysis of the machine and how to manage it, how to brake, where the brake, and, most importantly, why.
— What are your future ambitions associated with Porsche and WEC?
— Honestly, I do not know. I am absolutely happy with what I do now, and if you mean some kind of plans for WEC and Le Mans, we have not discussed it yet. I like to stay here and drive this car, I get pleasure from it. But I lie if I say that today I have some more concrete plans, rather than just ride.
— What are your plans for next year?
— IndyCar. I was quite happy with it. I do not really reflective on this subject — I do what gives me pleasure. And I have no other ambition. I love racing, I love to drive.
— What is the life style you like the most — European, Asian or American?
— There is not even a question: of course, American. I live in Miami, I have everything perfectly.
— But how can you manage Porsche in WEC?
— Well, how many steps is Europe? Four? Do not worry, I will survive somehow 4 weeks in Europe for a season!
