Motorsports Mondial

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Force India drivers thoughts on Melbourne

Paul Di Resta

Paul, after three winter tests you must be keen for the season to finally begin…

Yes, the build-up to Melbourne has been a while coming, but at the same time it doesn’t feel like there’s been that much testing. In fact, compared to last year, there has been one less test, but it’s been a good winter for us in general.

You made your debut at last year’s Australian Grand Prix – what memories do you have going back there a year on…

It’s a great place to start the season and the fans always get behind the race, so it will be interesting to see how it feels second time around. After a good winter break I’m just looking forward to getting back to the racing.

What are your thoughts on the circuit?

I enjoy the circuit. There’s a good balance between high and low speed, plus it’s a mixture between a street circuit and a permanent track, and that makes it quite unusual. I think the final sector stands out for me as the most interesting because it’s quite tricky and easy to get it wrong. We were strong on street circuits last year, especially Singapore, so hopefully that will continue

Any idea of the pecking order yet?

I don’t think anybody can say they know for sure. All the teams around us look strong and have been consistent in testing, so we just have to wait and see. Also, I think almost every team will have some new parts on their cars so it really is too early to make any judgements. To begin with our goal is simply to try and pick up points at every race.

Nico Hulkenberg

Nico, you’re all set for your first race as a Sahara Force India race driver. How does it feel?

There’s a lot of excitement – that’s the word I keep using to describe how I’m feeling. And I think it will continue until the Sunday morning in Melbourne when I wake up knowing I will be racing again in a few hours. That’s when you feel the buzz and get the feeling of anticipation in your stomach.

Do you feel you are back up to speed after a year away from racing?

The testing has gone pretty well and it’s been crucial for helping me get prepared. But I know testing is very different to racing because you don’t have the same pressures of a race weekend. I think the true test will be qualifying when you have to deliver right away and you only get one chance.

Is the Australian Grand Prix one of your favourite events on the calendar?

My first race there in 2010 was cut short – only half a lap, but apart from that I have good memories from Melbourne and Australia in general. It’s one of those venues with a special atmosphere and the whole city seems so relaxed and friendly. It’s definitely up there with races like Monaco and Singapore in terms of the atmosphere and support from the fans

Will you get some free time to relax in Melbourne?

It’s a race where we arrive very early to adapt to the time zone, so I will get a chance to look around the city, do some jogging, cycling and visit places like St Kilda beach. If there’s enough time I will try and explore the coast a bit.