Karting, various «formulas» (from Formula Renault 2000 and GP2 and Formula 1 — for Renault F1 Team on the tests in Abu Dhabi), surely the body, Lehmann prototypes, and in 2014 — and even American INDYCAR, which, of course, too open-wheel cars, as well as other «formula», but because of the difference of philosophies, we put them separately.
In 2010, Michael became the champion of the World Series Renault 3.5, and the pilot was certified platinum (this is the highest category for motorsport drivers in the world classification), which allows it to act in all the world's top racing series. And in 2014 he was supported by SMP Racing became the first Russian pilot, serving in the US INDYCAR: the team of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, but under the Russian flag. In 2016 Michael returns behind the wheel of Indycar, but on the eve of the season will perform in another American race — the famous «24 Hours of Daytona» for SMP Racing team in the Russian prototype BR01 category LMP2.
Before you depart for the whole season in America, Michael told us about American race, American audiences and how to pass one of the most famous American racing — the «24 Hours of Daytona.»
— Mike, I think you're the most versatile of all the pilot, who travels to Russia. You went to the «formula» you went on the cars you drove a prototype you went to Daytona.
— I just give a bit of traveling, and I'm going to mower.
— But if you did not feel himself a stranger in America? How are the fans perceive foreigners?
— Americans do not care where you are, for them the main thing — personaliti. If they see you as a person, they will support you. And it basically does not matter what place you came. They like the typical, uncompromising pilots — those who are struggling. I have, in my opinion, in Moscow was not so much an interview on the topic of INDYCAR, how much there. They all wonder how I like it here, I live here.
— I guess it's just something for which all pilots go there: contact and communication with the audience?
— To put it simply, there is no cheap Ponte. The fans have the opportunity to communicate with you, you have the opportunity to chat with the fans, they are there huge set. For example, towards the end of the season I started to notice that there were people in the stands wearing T-shirts with my name. One person at Daytona came to me and said that I had an accident, he bought my shirt and will not take it off the following season. This man forty years looking INDYCAR. The same thing happens at Daytona.
— Are there any differences between «24 hours of Daytona» from, say, the «24 Hours of Le Mans»? After all, there and there, not only body involved classes, but prototypes?
— The main difference from the Daytona races in Europe that we have to participate in a class of «Daytona Prototype» — is a completely different class of car, built under the rules of the American races. In terms of art, this tubular frame and a huge engine, which gives a great advantage on the straights. But the most interesting thing is that this car has not changed for probably the last 20 years.
— These are serious contenders for the prototype LMP2?
— Suffice it to say that LMP2, which including acts this year and our team have been admitted to the races in 2014, but has still never won. And while last year's best time in qualifying was shown a prototype of a European, but because of technical problems, he was unable to finish first.
— The main factor for the victory of DP (Daytona Prototype) is their capacity?
— Several factors. Power — this is the first (they are more powerful than about 100 hp). Second — this is, of course, the knowledge of their regulars American racing regulations. And, of course, a track for them is much more familiar and familiar than us. A track is very peculiar, because it is a combination of the oval and the inner ring of the traditional.
— What are the main differences in the regulations?
— First of all, both are allowed to refuel the car and change the wheel change smb.'s Shoes pilots. What to do in Europe is strictly prohibited. In America, everything that concerns races and their security, quite democratically and old school or something. For us, this creates difficulty in the sense that pitstop get much shorter time due to the simultaneity of events, and we must be trained to keep up with the others.
— What is the complexity of such a combination of two types of tracks?
— The difficulty, in my opinion, in the combination of these two types of tracks. For example, if Congress or the race on an oval track different degrees of inclination, the machine often unstable, this is the first delicate moment.
Another point is the traffic. Most pilots will try to go on the optimal path at the bottom of the oval, respectively, the upper part is in the mud, and it is dangerous to overtake. This factor must also be taken into account because, for example, or in NASCAR INDYCAR cars occupied the entire route, there are going and 2 cm from the wall.
The third point (and it is also important) — very busy road, taking into account the fact that the involved vehicles of different categories and different speeds. Machines about the same as at Le Mans, but the route is much shorter, so it will be very tight.
— What elements bear the main burden of the machine at Daytona?
— Aerodynamic elements, suspension, because track is not very smooth and also have to actively use the curbs. The brakes and the engine — of course, but it's always during long races.
— You're like an old-timer is almost at Daytona, you can give advice to beginners where to watch the race?
— I would have sat on the main podium higher, because it is clear to all. It is as tall as a 10-storey house and is designed for some incredible number of people, about 30 thousand. Accordingly, the higher you are, the better you can see what is happening. There, all at a glance.
— When there is all the fun?
— Probably in the last hour. In Daytona, if the track the safety car leaves, each pilot has the opportunity to catch up on the backlog, safetycar and was attached to the tail of the peloton. That is, if someone kosyachit throughout the race and behind by a couple of laps, then theoretically he has a chance to catch up, once behind the leader, and deal with it on equal terms. From my point of view it is very good, because it increases the entertainment.
I think that in Europe it is also introduce, because it attracts the viewer. Americans generally know how to do the show — in contrast to Europe.
— How often and how long leave to the track the safety car?
— How often — it depends on the situation, but at the time — a long time, yes, because during this period the technical services are trying to clear the track of debris not only, but also from the debris.
— That is, in the long run this show?
— Any sports event — the show in the first place. Because if it were not for show, it would not be sporting events, and thus, there would be spectators.
