Exclusive interview with Felipe Nasr

On Thursday 4 September, the day before the first free practices for all categories from Formula One downwards, we had the pleasure of interviewing a young talent from South America. Born in 1992 and currently participating in GP2, Felipe Nasr according to many of his compatriots - and others - he is the brightest star that the Brazilian pilot hotbed has produced in recent years. Team Carlin driver and currently second in the standings with four victories to his credit in Spain, Austria, Great Britain and Belgium, he is under contract with none other than the renowned Formula One team Williams.

We go to visit him at the Carlin stable motorhome, where «he is already studying with the engineers the best riding position to adopt for the Brianza track and trying the new helmet», explains the pilot's uncle who begs us to wait a few minutes, with a big and warm smile that is impossible to say no to. In fact, our wait is rewarded and shortly thereafter Felipe appears in front of us and our microphones with a magnetic smile - an enviable quality of Brazilians - as well as a warm handshake: the interview can thus take place.

This year we saw you as the undisputed protagonist in the fight for the world title and the games are not over yet. What will be the driving settings you will focus on in the next races?

«I will continue to do what I have done up to now. I did a splendid job which was seen on the Spa – Francorchamps circuit and which shows how competitive we are as a Team. From here to the end there are still two more races and I will try to do my best in each of them, to collect as many points as possible. Here in Monza I hope to have another good weekend, I like the track and I know it well.»

This year you climbed to the top step of the podium four times, more than any of your colleagues. Do you think you can increase the number of your victories in a single year?

«Yes, it's my goal to try to win the title.»

The real unknown will be the Russian Grand Prix, which replaced the Singapore race. How do you tackle a completely unknown circuit at team level?

«It's true, everything will be new but the advantage is that it will be new for everyone. The Russian one is a track for which no one has data and therefore it will be a good challenge for us as a Team: we will have to look for the best setup for the weekend having little time available and then there could be unforeseeable events that could benefit me rather than another rider . It will be in the way in which we know how to deal with these problems that will make us understand what our current limit is and how well we can do, certainly we will always give our all.»

This year you also had your first real experience in a Formula One team like Williams: have you already had the opportunity to learn something from them?

«Yes, many things. It was a completely new experience for me to drive a Formula One car, even if it's from a team like Williams! The new knowledge mainly concerned the technical side: I learned new things about the analysis of a track, the settings to adopt, the tires and how a Formula One team works, which is unique in its kind. A really positive thing, coming from me as a pilot.»

This will be a question that many have already asked you: how is your relationship between you and Felipe Massa?

«He is a good guy, my compatriot and we know each other quite well. He is a very helpful person, ready to help those who have less experience than him and for this I can only wish him the best. I know how strong he is and I know he will have a good end to the season. When we have the chance to see each other he always gives me some advice regarding the set-up of the car and he talks to me in more detail about the Williams Team. »

It's strange how there have always been extraordinary Brazilian drivers in the top flight, like Fittipaldi and Senna just to give you an idea. What kind of relationship links your country of origin to the world of racing?

«Motorsport is something intrinsic to our culture, to our history. We love the world of racing, which is deeply felt and supported throughout the country. Having and seeing a Brazilian driver racing in Formula One is always a source of pride for us. For me now it is a goal that I want to reach and I hope to get there, to one day be world champion, which is my big dream.»

We know that mental preparation is essential for a driver: how do you prepare to always be ready to race?

«I prepare everything, both the mental and physical aspects, but also the nutritional one (and in fact during our interview he is peeling an orange, ed.). I always have to be ready for any eventuality and during a race weekend I focus on just one point: driving as best as possible once I get into the car.»

Let's talk about the Monza circuit: do you like it? And where would you put it in your personal ranking?

«Monza is definitely in my Top 3! I put Spa – Francorchamps in first place, Silverstone in second and then the Italian track in third.»

What's your favorite curve?

«The Parabolica, without a doubt.»

In this regard, we have seen how this year the escape route of this curve has been asphalted, thus losing its sense of "ruthlessness", giving those who make a mistake the opportunity to get back into the race. What do you think about it?

«The new asphalt section makes the driver's challenge against this bend a little less exciting. Previously you had to be very precise and a small mistake could mean retirement, whereas now it is possible to make several mistakes and get back on track as if nothing had happened. But this does not mean that it is still my favorite corner on this circuit and I believe that safety has ultimately benefited because a driver has more space to stop his car and avoid contact with the barriers.»

Looking to the future, do you think your work with Williams will allow you to race a competitive car like this year's straight away?

«I don't know, this year I'm the reserve driver for the Williams team, next year who knows. I do my best and I hope to have the chance to reach Formula One as one of the drivers competing for the title, with a team behind me that will allow me to achieve this result.»

One of the problems that has arisen in recent times is that of restoring popularity to the entire Circus. In your opinion, what should be done to bring the motoring world back to an acceptable level of popularity without it being boring to the public?

«It's difficult to say. If you want more people to see the races, they need to be exciting, a real show where the drivers battle with overtaking, wheel to wheel and I think that's what GP2 is aiming for. We offer a good show to those who watch us although it would be nice to introduce some innovations, such as DRS to give even more overtaking possibilities.»

We have arrived at our last and usual question: do you have any good luck charms or superstitious rituals that you apply before getting into the car?

"I would say no! (laughs, ed.) I always try to prepare as best as possible, sleeping to relax and to be focused on the goal when I get into the car. It's my job and I try to do it to the best of my ability."

The young Brazilian driver then concluded his weekend in Monza with two sixth places, where despite not finding the podium he remained constant unlike his direct rivals, plagued by retirements in one of the two heats.

Andrea Villa, Matteo Bramati

Photo credits: http://www.felipenasr.com/photo/album/list