Liuzzi talks to F1GrandPrix.it about the first test with Force India

Tonio Liuzzi, second act. The career of the driver from Pescara in Formula 1 restarts post-Red Bull, after having been, in short, badly dumped by Toro Rosso. The first objective is to remain in the world championship, an objective that could be achieved with the new Force India team, the ex-Spyker. The new Indian team put Tonio to the test for a day and a half in the first winter tests in Barcelona: a test which, despite the not exceptional times, left the Italian driver very satisfied and confident of being able to find a place in the team. Here's what he declared to F1GrandPrix.it on his return from Spain.

What do you think after this day and a half of rehearsals?
“I am very satisfied with how the test went. In a day and a half we did quite a few laps and I got to know the car well. It certainly wasn't easy at the beginning, given that the car was very different, not only in terms of driveability but also in terms of the concept of driving positioning, steering assistance and all the driving "options" that are available. a Formula 1. You have to adapt and I struggled a bit. The time we did definitely wasn't what it should have been, which is why in the end I was very satisfied, because the team proves to be much more professional than it seems from the outside. It surprised me because they have a lot of desire to do things, also thanks to the possibilities that exist now with the new owner. They will definitely make big steps forward. It will take some time, because the team already has a fairly consolidated structure, but the car can progress, given that it has remained a little behind. They have very good technicians and there is great harmony in the team, so I think they can make giant strides in a short time.”

As a first impression, what are the main shortcomings of the car?
“I must say that there are small defects that make it slow, but in a very short time they manage to take away a second or a second and a half with small details such as the brakes, the steering assistance... A few things that ultimately do the difference, because they make the rider more comfortable with the vehicle. These are handling options which were a bit of a problem for me in adapting to the car.”

What impact have you had with driving without electronics?
“I have to say that I had a lot of fun, because the car is much more nervous. No longer difficult to drive, but you have to be much more careful not to make mistakes, whereas before the traction control hid many defects in the set-up and in the driver's handling. Now you have to try to be much more delicate when touching the accelerator, you have to be careful because it's easier to lose control of the rear axle... So it was much nicer for us drivers because it involves us much more .”

Will you also test with the team in Jerez?
“Yes, I should. We are still waiting for confirmation, but it is very likely.”

How many chances do you think you have of racing with them next year, given the long list of suitors?
“I think I have a good chance because I think I have demonstrated in the tests what can be done. In the end, lap times aren't very important because it's not just that that decides the fastest driver. I have already read articles that have criticized me in this sense but honestly they don't affect me at all. We managed to work well together with the team and we improved the car in a few points, because logically you can't change everything in a day and a half. I think they have noticed this and I hope they give me the chance to continue in Jerez too, to be more convinced and try to improve the car further. The opportunities with them are good, but there are also other opportunities in sight, so I am very confident.”

So are you also in contact with other teams?
“Other teams have also come forward. I must say that at the moment I am quite focused on Force India precisely because they have shown me that they are a much more professional and competitive team than I thought, but there are also other possibilities that we are evaluating."

Fabrizio Corgnati