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Exclusive interview with Bobby D

Robert Doornbos' deal with Indycar outfit Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing marks the return for the Dutchman to American open wheel racing. After a promising 2007 season in Champ Car, Bobby D missed out on a deal for 2008. In an exclusive interview, the former Formula 1 driver talked about his difficult time in 2008 and his expectations for the coming season.

When his deal with Minardi Team USA collapsed, Doornbos found himself out of a ride for the unified 2008 IndyCar Series.

Doornbos: "It was a blow for me to miss out on a ride in 2008 after the great season we had in Champ Car. From that moment on, I fought really hard and gathered a new group of people around me with one sole purpose, racing in the 2009 IndyCar Series."

Doornbos then spent 2008 racing in the inaugural Superleague Formula, while trying to find a way back into American open wheel racing: "What I did in 2008 requires a lot of character and determination. With all due respect, when you're coming from Formula 1 in 2006 and Champ Car in 2007, anything else is a step back", says the Dutchman.

"I got over it and tried to stay fit, make money and work on my future which had been compromised due to circumstances beyond my control."

The Dutchman admitted he is still looking for additional sponsorship for 2009, but remains focused on adapting to his new team. "My management is still working very hard to find the right sponsors for our team and hopefully we'll be able to make an announcement really soon. At the moment, I'm focusing 100% on actually driving the car and adapting to working with Newman/Haas/Lanigan."

Doornbos also talked about the Indy 500 and his time in Formula 1. A full transcript of the interview is up in the Full Throttle mag on the front page!

Filip Cleeren

Written: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:50:13