First in Moscow and then in Sochi on the eve of the Grand Prix Russia Formula 1 held a press conference dedicated to an important event for the Russian motor racing: Sergey Sirotkin was the official test driver for the development and pilot of Renault F1 Team French team.
After the first free practice in Sochi, during which Sergey Sirotkin has shown excellent results, «bringing» the current pilot team Jolyon Palmer 0.8 seconds with a circle. Race Director, Renault F1 Team Frederic Vasseur gave a short interview, during which praised Sergey and said that in fact, in front of it does not attempt to drive the fastest lap, he just worked with on the vehicle configuration commands. A result shown demonstrates the excellent preparation and the potential of the young pilot.
Immediately at the end of the free practice he has come to talk and Sergey. It was evident that he feels excitement, which tried to hide and be quiet. But, apparently, the pleasure of the work done and the result was much stronger, so that the entire Sergei literally radiated energy and could barely sit still in the chair.
— What kind of feeling from the first practice? Emotions much?
— Feeling fantastic, but I try to restrain myself: still a priority this season for me is the title in GP2. This year's championship will be probably one of the most powerful and complex in its history, and at the same time, I understand that we are absolutely able to compete for the title.
As for my purpose test driver at Renault F1 Team, this is a good step for all of us (SMP Racing) in some distant future, in the next year. In front of me there are certain tasks that I have to solve right to do what is expected of me and what I do pretty well.
— Frederic Vasseur you today is very praised, he said that you did everything exactly as he asked...
— In fact, I knew that he wanted to try the command, and just did it. Yes, it came to pass quickly, but I did not go for a while and did not try to surprise everyone. Therefore, I can not say by what received such a result. And if you collect all the sectors and start really attacking in full force, and there still is where to find the time.
— What are the challenges you face today?
— I had to go and give consistently good feedback. Of course, during the practice arose staffing situation, including those related to wear rubber. I worked on it, and I found how to improve it. And the fact that the last lap was the fastest, says that we have coped with these minor difficulties. It is good that they are having now, and not in the race.
— In 2014, you also took part in free practice at the Sochi Autodrome as «Sauber» Team test driver. Is it possible to compare these two of your experience?
— Compare impossible! Differ as cars, and general conditions: if there was a new track is slippery, the other time of the year. But at that time I rode a good idea about his partner, though the times then hovered around 1.47 for the circle, and now — 1: 40: 9. Understand how to increase the pace? Machines have become fundamentally faster.
— Whose car did you go today?
— Kevin Magnussen.
— They're exactly the same?
— Yes, they differ at the level of the minor details. But even the program is the same, so we can say that at the moment it was similar.
— Starting next year, the motors in GP2 and replaced by turbocharged, as in F1. In the meantime, the atmospheric V8 sound pleasing to the audience a lot more than the turbo V6. And what is the difference with the pilot's point of view?
— In fact, it is not necessary to pay attention to the sound, because, although the sound and pleasant, but modern engines are incomparably faster. They are really small, light, compact and economical, and it is very, very fast. The engines, which from next year equipped with GP2, such as the amount of horsepower has to stay the same, but due to turbo it will pull better with the lower classes, and the working range is slightly wider, so that the overall engine will be faster.
— There are some benefits of working in a fairly compact team like Renault F1?
— As long as there is nothing to compare. But junior series I can say that when the team begins to develop when you build all this progress with the team — it is very much pulls together. And, I think, it is not so important how much you have — 300 or 350 people, but it is important what they are. The Renault F1 gathered the best experts, and progress will not take long. It so happened that I actually re-poured with them in a new story, and this is a huge advantage in terms of the relationship with the team.
— What do you aspire to in the future?
— Any driver kart dreams of becoming a Formula 1 driver, so, of course, I hope that I will win the title in GP2 and we work well together with the team. Of course, all that is being done in order to be in Formula 1, and for me the best option would be to make his debut at Renault, on which we are working and striving for.
— There are prospects to get in the first team?
— By itself. It is difficult to say how much in percentage, but all drivers dream about it, I am no exception. I do not want to jump to conclusions, we must first successfully pass this season in GP2, if all is well formed, the chances would be much greater.
