Scuderia Toro Rosso announced last week that multiple Champ Car World Series champion, Sebastien Bourdais, would be making the switch to Formula One with them for the 2008 season.
Bourdais has had much success in the premier US open wheel series, driving for the benchmark Newman/Haas/Lanigan team, but has been linked with a move to the Red Bull backed team for some time.
The Frenchman will join German namesake Sebastian Vettel at the Italian team, and Updatef1 are delighted that Bourdais recently took a few minutes out of his hectic schedule to answer a few questions. Here is what Formula Ones latest recruit had to say:
Steve Turnbull: Formula One is the ultimate destination of many top-level racing drivers – now you have achieved that goal, how do you intend to approach the transition from Champ Cars?
Sebastien Bourdais: "I have always been myself, worked hard and enjoyed driving a lot. Since it has been fairly successful over the years, I think it would be a big mistake to change anything."
What will be the most difficult aspects of moving between the two categories?
"I don’t know. I don’t like to comment on things I haven’t discovered yet."
In Champ Car you have achieved much success over the past few years – without being disrespectful, Scuderia Toro Rosso are unlikely to provide a winning car from the beginning of your tenure there – how will battling in the midfield compare to running at the front?
"Of course, it will probably be hard at the beginning. But STR and I want to improve the current situation and I have been there before!"
You have a lot of fans in Europe (and France, of course) who are delighted to see you return to Formula One – will you also be followed by fans from the US?
"I think I have gained a lot of US fans while racing with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. In the mean time, a lot them are sad because there won’t be a race in the United States next year. But, yes I think most them will follow because they are real racing fans."
You tested the STR2 again recently, what would you say are the most distinctive differences between the Champ Car and the F1 chassis?
"The weight is the biggest difference, since a Champ Car is nearly 200kg heavier! And for sure, the grooved tires in F1 (compared to the slicks in CC) are very particular."
A simple question – why STR? Have alternative options been on the cards in recent years?
"STR has been the only team that was curious enough to give me a test since 2002. The team is eager to get to the front and I am very thankful for the opportunity."
Do you have a plan for the next few years – are you aiming to stay in F1 for a long time, or do the best you can and see how it goes? Would you consider a move back to the states if things don’t work out?
"Everything is possible if it doesn’t work out in F1. But before thinking about that, I am going to do my very best and see what happens."
Gerhard Berger – there can not be a better man to help guide you into the sport; how do you get on with him?
"Well, he is the one who decided to test me, so I have a whole lot of respect for him. He is pretty demanding, but fair. He also was a great driver and I am very happy to have him as my boss."
And finally, what realistic expectations do you have for 2008?
"I never like to set clear expectations. It will probably depend more on the speed of the 2008 car anyways, and I think it only adds pressure when you say, I have to do this or that… the truth is, you can only give 100%. I will do just that and we will see what happens."
Sebastien Bourdais, thank you for taking the time to talk to Updatef1.com.
Special thanks to Kathi Lauterbach of Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing for her help in organising this interview.
Written by Steve Turnbull on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:10:31
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