Gastaldi: We have a pretty good idea who we will have in the car

Lotus F1 Team Deputy Team Principal Federico Gastaldi looks to America and beyond and gives his unique insight.

Welcome to America Federico; do you feel good?

There’s an underlying confidence and strengthening resolve at Enstone as we have a positive outlook for the future, all of which will become evident before too long. There’s no point dancing faster than the music, but our dancing shoes are being polished in readiness. Do I feel good? Yes, I feel positive and know we’re doing everything we can to capitalise on the opportunities ahead.

Is the team any closer to disclosing who will be driving alongside Pastor in 2016?

The remorseless passing of time means that you always get closer to something in the future, so yes, we are closer to making an announcement. I would say something will come sooner rather than later. We won’t be disclosing who it is before we announce it, but we certainly have been speaking to drivers with good provenance and we have a pretty good idea who we will have in the car.

It is the fourth time we will race at Circuit of the Americas. What are your thoughts on the facility and also F1 generally in the US?

It’s fair to say that myself, the team and pretty much everyone in Formula 1 – at least those I speak to – reckon that Austin is a highlight on the calendar. We arrive to a great welcome and experience a fantastic event with superb support from all the fans. It’s good for Formula 1 to be building its presence in the US as it is a great marketplace for us to be. We’ve also experienced some exciting racing at the Circuit of the Americas. All in all, there’s nothing not to like.

Pirelli have been confirmed as continuing as the official tyre supplier; what does this mean for the sport?

It’s great to get this confirmation. Pirelli have put a lot into Formula 1; not only through their on-track activities, but also through their marketing and activation in the world at large. Formula 1 needs strong, proactive partners and Pirelli is certainly one of these. They’re also a great bunch of people to work with, clever, funny and good looking. I hope that this is enough praise for the team to be rewarded with some extra special tyres for Austin. Conspiracy theorists please note; that last sentence was just for fun.

Imagine the United States Grand Prix runs to the script of a Hollywood blockbuster: What would you like to see in the script?

I think much of Formula 1 already runs like the script of a movie! We have the drama, intrigue and emotion at every event, with the plot twisting and turning to captivate audiences worldwide. We’ve seen some pretty surprising storylines over the years and not much would surprise me. That said, I would be very surprised if we see Federico Gastaldi driving an F1 car through the streets of downtown Austin.