F1 Prospects chats with driver Stefano Coletti who talks about his hectic schedule of racing in WSR and GP3, technology ruining the sport and his tip for the F1 title!

Driver Profile, Feature, GP3, World Series By Renault No Responses »
Jul 222010

F1 Prospects' Leandra Graves with Stefano Coletti

Leandra Graves caught up with Stefano Coletti at the Silverstone GP3 weekend ahead of practice who graciously sat down with her to talk about racing and his plans to move up the motorsport ladder.

Leandra: So is this your first time racing at the Silverstone circuit this weekend?

Coletti:  “I raced in the UK in 2008 at Brands Hatch and 2007 in Donington but never raced at Silverstone.  It looks nice, I walked the track yesterday. It’s not that much of a new track though as there are only 3 new corners since it’s been redesigned. The whole first section and last section is all the same. If you know the track u obviously have an advantage, but I’m a quick learner he laughed.  I learn new tracks well so it should be ok. I have been in the simulator to look at this circuit too.”

Leandra: Tell us what it’s like to be racing in two race series this season? Racing in GP3 and World Series by Renault, must keep you extremely busy?

Coletti: “Over the past 9 weeks, I’ve raced 8 weekends.  So I haven’t had a break yet. I have signed up for 2 series to gain experience and also to learn the tracks for GP2 next yr. In the World Series they have a break during the summer and I didn’t fancy doing nothing, I wanted to be racing.”

Leandra: Do you enjoy the hectic schedule or do you find it too pressurized?

Coletti:  “I enjoy racing so much, even after 8 weekends. I am a little bit tired now but yes it’s nice, I am enjoying it.”

Leandra: You mentioned learning the GP2 circuits for 2011, do you have a deal signed and sealed for next season?

Coletti:  “The plan is GP3 next year, that’s not confirmed as yet, but that’s what I hope to be doing.”

Leandra: Which series do you enjoy racing in more, WSR or GP3?

Coletti: “Do I have to answer that? (laughs). The World Series is a bigger car.  More grip, more horsepower. It’s a quicker car by around 5-6 seconds. So it’s quite exciting. GP3 is exciting too as there’s a lot more cars on the grid and you can overtake more easily than a car with more aero. It’s nicer for actually driving the car in the races as it’s a lot of fun.”

Leandra: How do you feel racing in the GP3 on the same weekends as the F1? That must be a nice feeling performing on such a large scale?

Coletti:  “Yes its true, people look at the GP3 because it’s on at the F1 weekend.  That may not be the case at the World Series, but here people are in the paddock because they want to see the F1.”

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Posted by Leandra Graves at 07:00 Tagged with:

F1 Prospects chats with F3 driver Brittany Vorster about racing in South Africa and Brazil, the value of an education and the motivation to race

Driver Profile, F3, Feature 1 Response »
Jul 052010

Brittany Vorster

This year’s Indy 500 featured a record 4 women drivers in the memorial day classic and based on who are currently racing in feeder series around the world this number should only increase in time. Building on the pioneering efforts of Janet Guthrie, Shirley Muldowney and Maria Teresa Filippis, women are making strong inroads into what has admittedly been a male bastion and are not only knocking on the door but kicking it down and driving right through.

Brittany Vorster is a South African race car driver currently competing in South America in the South American Formula 3 Championship. She took some time out of her insanely busy schedule to talk to F1 Prospects about what inspired her to get into racing, racing in South Africa and South America, the value of an education and what motivates her to race.

F1Prospects: You are originally from South Africa. Tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in motorsport?

Brittany Vorster: I was born in South Africa and have spent most of my life there, I have had the opportunity to travel and work in many different countries. I come from a family of motorsport fans and from the young age of 3 I started watching racing, in particular F1 with my family, however I only picked up the true hunger for motorsport when I was 10, this was when I started to understand what it was all about. I spoke with my family and they started to remember all the little things I would do when I was a young kid that was racing related. All I wanted was a ‘point car’ and they never knew what that was. Now we do… A RACE CAR.   My grandparents took me to a SA race event  it was after this I was completely hooked….. I was interested in the idea in becoming  a sports manager for race car drivers however I know I have a talent in driving and the desire to be in the seat  is greater than anything.. I started BEGGING my parents for a kart when I was 12.

F1P: You raced in Formula GTI in South Africa. Tell us a bit about that and the South African racing scene.

Brittany: I originally chose the F GTI series because at the time it was the best open wheel series available in South Africa, also coming from karts it was the next best step to main circuit and single seaters.
Unfortunately South Africa does not allow a driver to pursue motorsport as a career because the sport is pretty limited, I gained valuable experience, I raced with the best, South Africa has some very good drivers who have proved themselves on an international level, however I knew I needed to spread my wings internationally.

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Posted by Mark Boudreau at 04:00 Tagged with: , , ,

F1 Prospects chats with American GP3 Racer Alexander Rossi about life in Europe, the value of Formula 1 and how a kid from California plans to make it to F1

Driver Profile, Feature, GP3 1 Response »
Jun 242010

Alexander Rossi - World Copyright: Drew Gibson/GP3 Media Service.

 The competition to make it to Formula 1 is intense in the junior development formulae with its requirements of speed, concentration, finance, sacrifice and let’s face it a sprinkling of luck. These factors are the difference between a seat in the right cockpit and no seat at all. American Alexander Rossi made the F1 Prospects Watchlist this year because, not only does he demonstrate the requisite speed, concentration, sacrifice and financial support but because he is also extremely consistent and adaptable in a race car. Whatever Alexander climbs into, he manages to make it go fast and this trait will ensure that he progresses up the motorsport ladder to his eventual goal of Formula 1.   

Currently racing in the inaugural year of the GP3 series, the feeder to GP2, Alexander has used this vaunted consistency to great effect. After 3 races he finds himself second in the championship ahead of the Valencia round supporting the European Grand Prix this weekend and he is always in a battle for a podium spot so this weekend should not be any different. He recently spoke to F1 Prospects about life racing in Europe, the value of Formula 1 and what it takes to succeed in this cut throat business.   

F1 Prospects: You started off in karts, a well known start for many future world champions. What is the karting scene like in America? Is it competitive with Europe? How does karting help a young driver just starting out?   

Alexander Rossi: I never competed in European karting so I cannot compare it directly with American karting, but I know quite a few drivers who went overseas and were extremely competitive, so I would wager to say that there are some karting series’ in America (Stars and Skusa) that are just as competitive as the European championships – if not more. Karting teaches you how to race and how to push the limits with engineering and your machine. These are the integral foundation and development of a young driver’s career, without it is a steep climb.

F1P: You were involved with the Red Bull Amercian Driver Search Program in 2004 and 2005. How was that experience and how did it help you advance your career?  

 Alexander: The experience was fantastic as it proved that I could be on par with the best karters in the nation who were hand-selected by Red Bull scouts.  I was still very young when I competed in the driver search, but this program really opened my mind to the fact that being successful in motorsport is not just about being able to go fast around a track – one has to have the complete package to reach the highest levels. Speed is not enough anymore and whether that is a positive or not, I do not know, but this is the reality.   

F1P: The Skip Barber program seems to be one of the best ways for North American drivers to transition from karts to cars. Why is that?   

Alexander: It is the best way – no question about it. You get an exceptional amount of seat time for the money, along with individualized driver coaching after every session. In addition, a driver learns multiple track, and this very good for development and experience. I learned how to drive a race car in Skip Barber and I will forever owe them my gratitude.   

F1P: You jumped into the now defunct Formula BMW Americas program in 2007 and finished 3rd overall in your rookie year and then topped that by winning the championship in 2008 and the World finals the same year in Mexico City. Obviously the series was very good to you. How did you enjoy racing in the series?   

Alexander: Formula BMW is an incredible championship and I have very fond memories of my two years in the series. I actually have the opportunity – three years later – to race against my two biggest competitors in 2007, Daniel Morad and Esteban (my teammate). FBMW launched all three of our careers and I feel very fortunate to be racing these two again. Now we are able to showcase ourselves on a very international stage.   

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Posted by Mark Boudreau at 06:00 Tagged with: , ,

F1 Prospects talks to Formula Renault UK driver Tom Blomqvist about racing in Sweden, having a famous dad and being the youngest young gun in Formula Renault 2.0 UK

Driver Profile, Feature, Formula Renault No Responses »
Jun 172010

Tom Blomqvist - Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography

Formula 1 has had some great father son pairings in the history of the World Championship. Graham and Damon Hill and Gilles and Jacques Villeneuve are just two father-son combinations that went on to achieve great things and there is now another family name looking to make an impact in Formula 1 in the future. That name is Blomqvist.

16 year old Formula Renault UK 2.0 driver Tom Blomqvist is the son of the legendary Swedish World Rally Champion Stig and he is turning heads as he challenges racers older than him in the ultra-competitive British single-seater racing scene. Tom recently took some time out of his hectic schedule to talk to F1 Prospects about having a famous racing dad, racing in Sweden and his passion for motorsport.

F1 Prospects: How did you start in racing and at what age?

Tom Blomqvist: Well I remember dad buying me a quad bike at the age of three, so that’s where it all started. We had a large piece of land for me to run free and develop my skills. Ever since then I have been in love with motorsport and anything to do with it. My first taste of competitive racing didn’t come until I moved from England to New Zealand. We visited a local kart track one day and some of the fathers recognized my dad, we got chatting and they offered my brother and I a quick go in a kart and that was that. We sold our quad bikes and bought a kart to share between the two of us. From that day onwards I’ve known what I want to achieve in motorsport.

 

F1P: Your karting career was quite limited compared to many of your competitors who raced in Europe. Do you think that this puts you at a disadvantage? What is it that you learnt in karting that prepared you for a career in cars?

Tom: I spent very little time in a kart compared to someone competing in Europe. Because I was in New Zealand I was able to learn the key skills to carry into my car racing career and compete at the front at a fraction of the price. Karting taught me a lot about racecraft, how to attack how to defend and also when to pick your moments. You also learn to give feedback which is extremely important when you reach single seater racing. I have been in a position this year when a new car has been introduced to the championship and it has been very important to help develop the car with my engineer who relies heavily on my feedback.

 

F1P: You made the jump from karts to Formula Renault in Sweden last year. How has the transition gone? Why race in Sweden?

Tom: Correct. I made the step up from karting to Formula Renault last year and to be honest I was surprised how quickly I managed to adapt to the new challenge and environment. From a very young age I have been driving road cars around my father’s land and he also believed it was very important for me to spend some time on the frozen lakes sliding around. I think this has helped me with the step up to cars as I have developed a good understanding of car characteristics. Why Sweden? Well, at the age of 15 I was too young to compete in the major Formula Renault championships so the most logical option was to race in Sweden. I think it has worked out well, I have learnt a lot from doing that.

 

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Posted by Mark Boudreau at 06:00 Tagged with: ,

Q&A with Trident Racing’s Adrian Zaugg

Driver Profile, GP2 No Responses »
Jun 142010

Adrian Zaug

You’re back in GP2 racing after a long time. Have you had troubles in finding some reference points in such an hard championship?

No, I was competitive straightaway from the first test session onwards. I also had a good comeback race in the Gp2 Asia round at Bahrain beginning of the year, after having had a race-break for six months…

You had a tough start so far this season, with several really unlucky races and episodes.

Yeah, that’s correct, it’s been the most difficult start to a racing season in
my career so far!

Let us now know Adrian Zaugg off the track. What do you do when you’re not involved in motor racing? Do you have any hobbies?

I love sports in general; I do Kickboxing, Mountain-biking, Tennis, Karting, Basketball, Beach-Volleyball now in Summer… I enjoy nature, the wildlife.

Are you single or have you a girlfriend?

Single.

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Posted by Mark Boudreau at 19:37 Tagged with:

F1 Prospects speaks to American GP3 racer Josef Newgarden about the racing in Europe, the path to F1 and the will to win

Driver Profile, Feature, GP3 2 Responses »
Jun 142010

There is a perception that Americans do not care about Formula 1, that they are more interested in NASCAR and the Indy 500 than what is happening on the Grand Prix circuit but that is not the case at all. America has a huge appetite for Formula 1 as the crowds at the last few Grands Prix in the United States proved and there are a number of extremely talented American drivers with their sites firmly set on an F1 seat.

One such driver is Nashville, Tennessee native Josef Newgarden. Currently running in the new GP3 Series, Josef took some time out from his busy schedule to speak to F1 Prospects about what it is like for an American to race in Europe, the value of believing in yourself and his plans to make it to the pinnacle of motorsport.

F1 Prospects: You started off in karts, a well known start for many future world champions but once your karting career was over you moved to cars and a successful stint in the Skip Barber series in 2007 and 2008. You then immediately looked to Europe. Why was that?

Josef Newgarden: The switch to Europe was always the plan if I was going to make it to F1.  Just before I turned sixteen I was having some good success racing karts, and Skip Barber was the most logical place to step up to formula cars. They start you off with a school program, then a Regional series and then a very competitive National series. My success in the Skip Barber program is what got me the recognition to be selected for Jeremy Shaw’s Team USA Scholarship program. Once Jeremy brought me to England for the Formula Ford Festival, that win provided the door that opened my path to transition into the European racing scene.

F1P: The British Formula Ford Festival is one of the most prestigious junior racing events on the world motorsport calendar and you became the first American to win it in 2008. How did that all come about?

Josef: The Team USA Scholarship program got me to the event and I think the choice of Cliff Dempsey’s team, the overall plan, and our preparation that year is really what made it happen from the racing side.  All of the generous support Jeremy has been able to maintain over the years is what made it a reality.

F1P: Last year you raced a full season in British Formula Ford, a breeding ground for future Formula 1 drivers. How did you enjoy it? Did it live up to your expectations as a driver?

Josef: Formula Ford was everything I hoped it would be and although I missed out on winning the championship, I won the most races and had fantastic time. It was a great way to get comfortable living in England and it provided an excellent training ground. In retrospect, it was a very difficult season for not only me, but for the entire JTR team.  Sadly, my team owner Joe Tandy was tragically killed in a car accident right after our first event of the year.  Obviously that was a tremendously traumatic situation for everybody on the team, but I am very proud that I was a part of the mission to try and deliver everything that Joe dreamed for us!

F1P: Is it difficult being an American racing in Europe? How are you perceived by Europeans?

Josef: It’s actually not that difficult at all.  I personally think you have to stay with the attitude that you’re not as worried about what others think of you, and to stay humble and true to yourself as a person.

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Posted by Mark Boudreau at 07:00 Tagged with: , , , ,

The F1 Prospects Spotlight is on Australian Driver Daniel Erickson

Driver Profile, F2000, Feature No Responses »
May 032010

Daniel Erickson

The Spotlight feature here at F1 Prospects.com is our way of shining the light on a deserving driver whom is currently sidelined due to sponsorship shortfalls yet deserves to be on the grid. In this edition we shine the spotlight on Australian driver Daniel Erickson.

With speed, determination, skill and an excellent media presence, Daniel has been a commanding force in every series he has competed in since his karting days. A lack of budget leaves him temporarily on the side of the race track but as he demonstrated so clearly when he raced in the first round of the F2000 Championship Series in America last month, he has what it takes to get the job done and then some. If you have ever thought about getting involved in motorsport and sponsoring a driver, you could not go wrong in starting off with Daniel Erickson. We will let Daniel himself tell you why.

F1 Prospects:  How did you start in racing and at what age?

Daniel Erickson: I started out in karts, like just about everybody! My father asked me if I wanted to have a go when I was 11 years old, so naturally I said “Yes”!

F1P: You have had considerable success in karting. How well does karting prepare somebody for a career in racing?

DE: Karting is a great way to learn race craft, driving wheel-to-wheel at a reasonably safe speed.

F1P:  When you moved up to Formula Ford in 2007 you were voted Rookie of the Year in the NSW Formula Ford Championship, a feat you repeated in the Australian Formula Ford Championship in 2008. From there you competed in Formula Ford in 2009 in the UK finishing 5th overall. How was racing in Australia compared to racing in the UK?

DP: British Formula Ford racing is similar to Australia, but there are a few differences. The closeness of the competition is about the same, but the level of intensity is greater in Britain. In the Australian national series it’s normal to have three or four drivers challenging for the lead, but in Britain you can expect to have seven or eight. One tiny mistake and they’re all over you! Also, Australian Formula Ford racing is mostly ‘non-contact’ whereas in Britain there’s a fair bit of rubbing and nudging.

Continue reading »

Posted by Mark Boudreau at 08:00 Tagged with: , ,

Prizes on offer as Daniel Erickson seeks funds for USA return

Driver Profile, F2000 No Responses »
Apr 262010

Daniel Erickson in Practice for the Opening Round of the F2000 Championship Series

Daniel Erickson’s supporters have the chance to win a Formula Ford track day, a Ferrari road tour and a Snowy Mountains holiday – but they have to act quickly.

The three prizes are part of the Sydney driver’s latest fundraising campaign to help him continue racing in the American F2000 Championship Series.

Each draw has only 100 $20 tickets, and about half of them are already sold.

Returning to the USA is a matter of ‘unfinished business’ for Erickson, who stunned the F2000 Championship Series regulars by almost winning the first two rounds at Virginia International Raceway on April 9-10.

He qualified on pole position, finished second by 0.213s after mis-timing his first ever rolling race start in Round 1, and led all the way in Round 2 until a loose spark plug lead less than three laps from the finish dropped him to 10th place.

The third and fourth F2000 Championship Series rounds are at Road Atlanta on May 6-8.

“Even though it was my first F2000 race meeting, on a circuit I hadn’t seen until the Thursday test day, I’m still disappointed at missing out on those two wins,” Erickson said.

“Now I’m determined to show everyone that Virginia wasn’t a fluke.”

Erickson isn’t daunted by the prospect of racing yet again on an unfamiliar track.

“I’m used to racing on circuits for the first time, having done it most of last year in British Formula Ford,” he said.

“Road Atlanta would be another new experience, but unlike at Virginia I’d be familiar with the car!”

Fans can find more information about the prize draws, as well as Daniel Erickson’s other fundraising initiatives, by visiting www.danielerickson.com.au.

Look for an interview with Daniel on F1 Prospects coming up soon!

Posted by Mark Boudreau at 08:29 Tagged with: ,

2010 F1 Prospects Watchlist – Keep An Eye On These 21 Drivers in 2010

Driver Profile, F1 Prospects Watchlist, F3, Feature, GP2, GP3, Indy Lights, Star Mazda, World Series By Renault 3 Responses »
Apr 232010

Here is the complete list of the 2010 F1 Prospects Watchlist. These 21 drivers are ones you should look out for this year at the track as they have the potential for race wins, podiums and outright championships. Not only that but they have the potential to advance up the motorsport ladder and hopefully we will see more than a few of them in Formula 1 at some point.

Let us know what you think about the list and look for some interviews with this year’s Watchlist drivers over the coming months.

And without further delay, here is the list in the order in which they appeared on the site:

1. David Valsecchi – Italy – GP2 Series
2. Jules Bianchi – France – GP2 Series
3. Laurens Vanthoor – Belgium – F3 Euro Series
4. Alexander Rossi – USA – GP3 Series
5. Daniel Ricciardo – Australia – Formula Renault 3.5
6. James Hinchcliffe – Canada – Firestone Indy Lights
7. Pastor Maldonado – Venezuela – GP2 Series
8. Jean Karl Vernay – France – Firestone Indy Lights
9. Esteban Gutiérrez – Mexico – GP3 Series
10. Oliver Turvey – UK – GP2 Series
11. Renger van der Zande – Netherlands – GP3 Series
12. Brendon Hartley – New Zealand – Formula Renault 3.5
13. Conor Daly – USA – Star Mazda
14. Alexander Sims – UK – F3 Euro Series
15. Robert Wickens – Canada – GP3 Series
16. Valtteri Bottas – Finland – F3 Euro Series
17. Sam Bird – UK – GP2 Series
18. Jean Eric Vergne – France – British F3 International
19. Christian Vietoris – Germany – GP2 Series
20. Jon Lancaster – UK – Formula Renault 3.5
21. Mikhail Aleshin – Russia – Formula Renault 3.5

Posted by Mark Boudreau at 08:00 Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

F1 Prospects Watchlist – Mikhail Aleshin – Russia – Formula Renault 3.5

Driver Profile, F1 Prospects Watchlist, World Series By Renault No Responses »
Apr 222010
 

Mikhail Aleshin

Mikhail Aleshin was the first Russian driver to win a major international championship when he won the opening Formula Renault 3.5 round at Monza in 2007. Since that time he has garnered continued success and with his win in Round 1 of the 2010 Formula Renault 3.5 series he is well placed to challenge for the championship.

After racing karts for four years, Aleshin graduated to cars in 2002 in the Russian Formula Three Championship where he finished fourth overall. Aside from a foray in the defunct A1GP series for Team Russia in 2007, Aleshin has pursued his career mainly in Formula Renault having raced in everything from Formula Renault 2000 Germany, Italia, Masters and the Eurocup (where he finished first overall in the Italian championship in 2004) to three years in Formula Renault 3.5 from 2006 to 2008 with a modicum of success.

Last year he finished third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship but he is back in what has to be his final kick at the Formula Renault 3.5 can with Carlin in 2010. Realizing that his time is now and perhaps with the motivation of a Russian Grand Prix in the near future, Aleshin appears to be making his move as he has scored one race win already in 2010 and looks set for more.

What once perhaps seemed an oddity; Mikhail Aleshin may very well be the racer to prove that Russia is ready for Formula 1, both as a venue and with a native driver behind the wheel. Time will tell but Aleshin’s time is now.

The Official Website of Mikhail Aleshin
Mikhail Aleshin’s stats at Driver Database

Posted by Mark Boudreau at 13:04 Tagged with: , ,
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