Interview with Jérôme D’Ambrosio and Jan Charouz

Renault’s reserve drivers, Jerome D’Ambrosio and Jan Charouz, look back on their first taste of F1 power after their shakedown of the R29 at Silverstone yesterday.

Jerome, Jan, how did it feel to finally get behind the wheel of an F1 car?

Jerome: It was the best feeling. The first time I saw an F1 car I knew I wanted to drive one, so pulling out of the garage for the first time felt incredible. Also, to be sitting in a Renault F1 car made it even more special because Renault has played such an important role in launching my career.

Jan: The night before the shakedown I was feeling a bit nervous as I had dreamed of this moment since I started racing when I was seven years old. But as soon as I got in the car my nerves disappeared and I just savoured the moment and made the most of it.

Did the performance of the F1 car live up to your expectations?

Jerome: It definitely exceeded my expectations. I knew it was going to be amazing, but when I got out of the car it was hard to find the words to describe my feelings. Under my helmet I had a massive grin on my face because it was just so much fun and something I will never forget. It’s just a shame I was limited to 50 kms because now I’ve got a taste for the F1 car and I want to drive it more and more.

Jan: The performance was much more than I expected. I took the first 10 laps pretty steady and then gradually built up my speed as I felt more comfortable with the car. The R29 is amazing and you can’t compare it to anything. An F1 car really is as good as it gets.

What impressed you most about the R29?

Jerome: It’s really just the best car there is in every respect. There’s more power, better brakes and much more downforce compared with anything else I’ve driven. Everything on the car is fine-tuned and it really was an honour to be able to experience this car.

Jan: I think it was the acceleration that impressed me most. The braking performance did not feel like such a big step, but the acceleration combined with the grip from the tyres felt amazing. In the final corner I was straight on the throttle, whereas in a World Series car it would only be half throttle. A GP2 car is closer to the F1 car, but it’s still miles off.

How did it feel to work with the team for the first time?

Jerome: The guys at Renault are great and there is a real racing spirit here so it’s fantastic to be part of that. Everybody has been really helpful in answering my questions as I learn about F1.

Jan: I’m still getting to know the guys and learning all the names, but I’m starting to feel like part of the Team now. They’re a good bunch of people to work with and I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time with them this year.