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 Maria
de Villota: “I think we have not had the results we deserve.”
Maria,
the first part of the season in the Spanish formula 3 Championship
brought some ups and downs for you. Qualifying third Albacete, great
results in Jarama, but on the other hand often being involved in
accidents caused by others. What is your resume so far?
Yes, the season is having it’s ups and downs. Up until today
and looking back, I think we have not had the results we deserve.
We know that we should be at the top and steal a couple of podium
positions, but the level of drivers this year is very high. We are
many fighting for the same positions and at all costs.
Do
you sometimes think it’s harder for a woman to be in racing?
What experiences have you made so far?
This year I am having a hard time not believing that something strange
is happening every time I am in the leading positions during a race.
There is always a driver that seems to upset my possibilities in
advancing. I have to admit that I am disgusted by this behavior
and I hope that it was only a casual occurrence. The names of these
drivers are not worth divulging, they will stay with me, but I will
then have to fight harder on the track so they can’t catch
me.
Given your speed and consistency during the eight races held
so far, what are you expecting from the second half of the season?
Valencia has always been a circuit in which I have had good results.
The test which we did here during the pre-season was the first time
that I really felt at ease with the car thanks to the advice from
the team. I know that we can surprise everyone. Papy (my engineer),
Billy and Brito (my mechanics) know that we are not far from reaching
this goal. We have to keep working like we have and hope that luck
will be on our side.
Together
with Borja and Steven you tested in Jerez in August. Were you keen
in getting back into the car again and how did the test go?
Very much so, after this break...It was a good test, I felt very
at ease in the car. I think that at the end of the day, we did a
good job. Each test day allows me to advance more in a positive
direction.
What have you been doing during the long break between the Estoril
and Valencia round of the Spanish Formula 3 Championship?
I have been working at my father’s Race Driving School and
I have continued with my fitness training program.
Your father, Emilio de Villota, was a race driver as well. How
would you compare your driving style to his?
He has a very spectacular driving style. When he has taken me out
for a ride on the track, I was surprised at the speed in which he
moves his hands, nearly as if it was a reflex. I on the other hand
do this much less. I move the steering wheel with more care. From
the outside, you cannot appreciate how quick I am. Many people have
this perception, although my times are on par with those that are
leading. But I think, among other things, I have inherited his wish
for doing a good job, for being hardheaded and doing what I want,
even though it won’t be easy. He has also passed onto me the
will to go beyond the norm and not be satisfied with anything. Every
time we take a trip together we have endless chats on how we would
take a certain corner, how it feels, details, and although some
might seem insignificant, they could be the reason we could spend
hours chatting about it.
How
important has your family been throughout your career?
Just like any daughter or sister...but luckily we are all connected
by what passions us, and this unites us very much. It is true that
in a sport such as this one, you suffer in many ways, but I think
that we have pulled ourselves out of difficult situations quite
well. On top of that, when a group or family live such intense situations,
the immense satisfaction of doing well also is among us. I think
that my parents and brothers, and I also include my relationship
with Emilio as a driver, has been exemplary. I am lucky to count
on his experience. Since my parents have raced many years and in
many places, they don’t feel the urge to relive it through
me. I am my own driver and a happy daughter that goes along with
what she wants to do, but with just the right amount of family support.
You are the only woman in the Spanish Formula 3 Championship.
What made you decide to go into racing?
After being Formula Toyota Vice-Champion, it was the logical step.
I could not have done it without the help of Mapfre, Hola, RACE
and Antonio Iborra who was the first to offer me an F3 drive. I
would no be here today without the many people who believed in me,
people like José Santos, Santiago Porteiro, my trainer Miguel
Angel Rodriguez...and obviously Racing Engineering.
How would you describe yourself and your character?
I am a very active person, I cannot sit still for very long. Only
in front of the downloaded data from my car time seems to fly. I
am a very happy person, but also a passionate one. I am lucky to
be without a worry or care in the world. Once in the car, the character
that I have inside me comes out, but without going over the top.
I take spontaneous decisions that will help me during the race.
It’s during that same race that an internal strength that I
have in me in increased. I love the bonding that exists within a
team where everyone depends on everyone else. I could also say that
I talk a bit too much.
We know that right next to racing you are also working, but what
are your future ambitions? Where could we see you racing next year?
I don’t know as of yet. It is true that I have many things
in my head, but saying something now would be a bit precipitated.
All I know is that my ambitions are very high and my hard headed
ways as well.
 Borja
Garcia: “I don’t want to think too much ahead and the
momentary goal definitely is winning the Spanish F3 Championship.”
Borja, after the first eight races in the 2004 season, how would
you summarize the first half of the season?
So far everything is very positive and good, given what I have achieved
so far this season, it's going very well. I made four pole positions,
four fastest laps in the races, five victories, one second place
and I am currently leading the championship with 82 points.
Estoril was a very successful weekend for you. Do you think you
can continue like this?
Honestly, I believe so, especially since I like what I am doing
and I am doing it well. I have a lot of confidence in my team, my
engineer and mechanics.
After an almost two month break, could you tell us what you have
been doing during the summer?
Basically, the summer was fun. I spent most of my time doing sports
so as to keep fit for the race in Valencia and the rest of the season.
I also tried to improve my English with classes, which I have to
say are coming along quite well. I will be going to England for
a couple of weeks after Valencia.
What can we expect from you during the second half of the season?
I hope to always be on the podium and of course, be able to win
the 2004 Championship. It’s a lot of work, but I am confident
that we are going to achieve it.
During the second half of the season, who do you regard as your
toughest competitors on the tracks?
I am convinced that the drivers who I will be confronted with in
the fight for the championship during the second half of the season
will be Manuel Giao and my team mate Steven Kane. They are top caliber
race drivers with a lot of experience.
How would you describe yourself and your character?
When I am at the race track or working, I am very serious and concentrated.
But when I am finished or outside of the track, then I am a funny
and entertaining person.
For me racing is very important for my future. It is my work and
I want to give it my best – on the track and in the paddock.
It might seem that I am sometimes too serious, but then you should
look at me when I have just won a race, when all the pressure is
gone. I really have a great time with my team and friends. I also
like spending time with my team, Racing Engineering, that way I
can learn everything there is about the cars I drive. I have to
admit that Sanlucar de Barrameda and Costa Ballena are nice spots
to do sports. They offer everything I need to keep fit. From a gym
to biking along the sea, from sailing or jet skiing to running on
the beach, or even a round of golf before going for a swim. It’s
all there for anyone that is part of the team.
How would you describe your driving style?
Very technical, fast, safe and aggressive. I think that describes
it the best.
Who is your favorite race driver and why?
Michael Schumacher, because he is a hard worker. He is working a
lot at any time to improve his car. Also because he is a natural
winner in everything he does and because of these reasons I identify
myself a little bit with him.
How
important has your family been in getting where you are now?
To be honest, without my family and especially my father I would
not be in racing. He gives me all the support he can and I am very
thankful for that.
Whenever he can, he comes to the races with me. But apart from my
family there have been other people around me, who are very important
for me and have always believed in me.
What
are your future projects and what will you be doing next season?
I don’t want to think too much ahead and the momentary goal
definitely is winning the Spanish F3 Championship. For next year
I would like to move into a higher category. At the moment it is
not so clear which ones will definitely emerge and be competitive,
but I would like to continue my path up. Obviously a F1 test would
be great as well, but at the moment I am really concentrating on
the Spanish F3.
 Steven
Kane: “Damon Hill passes his past experience in all areas on
and off the track which gives me a lot of confidence.”
Steven, the Spanish Formula 3 will be finishing its summer break
with the race meeting in Valencia. What are your expectations for
these races?
I am looking forward to racing again after the break and have high
expectations for this weekend, after the first few laps learning
the circuit I will have a more realistic view on what my chances
will be.
So
far you have participated in eight races of the Spanish Formula
3 Championship and all of them on tracks that were new for you.
What is your summary of the first half of the season?
I am pleased with my performance on a lot of new tracks, some took
longer to learn but I feel overall I have performed well always
being in the top 3.
When
on the track, we have seen you fighting a lot and always pushing.
You are currently third in the overall standings, but what can we
expect from you during the second half of the season?
I would really hope to have a trouble free second half of the year
and win more races which I am capable of doing.
In
the British Formula 3 there is no such summer break, so could you
tell us what you have been doing during the last two months?
I have been training hard and working hard. I have been working
at Silverstone as a driving instructor.
Could you describe yourself and your character a bit?
Hardworking, confident, friendly and very ambitious.
How would you describe your driving style?
Calculated, smooth but aggressive when needed.
Steven,
you are supported by Formula 1 Champion Damon Hill. Could you tell
us in what way this is of benefit for you on the race track?
Damon passes his past experience in all areas on and off the track
which gives me a lot of confidence. He lets me have my own experiences
which will be beneficial and rewarding on my journey to be one of
the best drivers.
What
role has your family played in your career?
My family has given me a lot of support through motorbikes, Karts
and my early days in cars. In recent years I have had to work hard
on my own to achieve my goals and my family has been there for moral
support.
What
are your future ambitions and what will you be doing next season?
My ambition is to be a Formula One World Champion. Next year I would
love to do GP2 or British F3.
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