Interview with Joan Villadelprat (Epsilon)

Since Joan Villadelprat started the Epsilon Euskadi project in 2004 his objective has always been to take advantage of his experience and knowledge to turn Epsilon into a national and international reference. Counting over 25 years of experience in Formula 1, Villadelprat and his team tirelessly work to position Epsilon in the vanguard of technology, combining competition, education, R&D and manufacturing under the same roof. There is no question that Formula 1 would perfectly fit in the project.

Like the rest of the candidates for the only Formula 1 license available, Epsilon and Joan Villadelprat are patiently awaiting the FIA’s resolution. But, regardless of the result, Epsilon will keep going forward.

Everybody is talking about Formula 1 and, lately, about the only license which remains to be awarded. In spite all the talking, you have always been cautious, why?

“The process in which we are currently immersed in is tricky and uncertain. Caution is always the best approach but especially in situations as delicate as the awarding of a Formula 1 license. Given that I am a regular contributor to different media, the questions about Formula 1 are unavoidable and, sometimes, taken out of context. I understand that this matter arouses a lot of interest from the media and the fans alike and I hope for an early resolution. Until then, we will have to be patient.”

At what stage of the 13th license certification process is Epsilon?

“As we said from the beginning, Epsilon’s Technology Innovation Centre counts on great infrastructure which is comparable to current Formula 1 teams, or even better. We have the means to cover all the phases and processes that a Formula 1 car and team require. From conception, design, manufacturing and development to team’s management, all within the Centre. Prove of it is the Le Mans car (EE1LMP1) we built and run in 2008. But Epsilon doesn’t end up here. Thanks to all the activities Epsilon carries out, it also generates knowledge, professionals, industry, economy… in short, a country’s trademark that will lift us at the forefront of technology. No doubt about it. The only thing that is missing at this stage is to count on the full financing. I always said that I wouldn’t go into Formula 1 unless the budget for three years was guaranteed. Unfortunately, at this point, this is what we are missing, although we are still working on it and moving forward.”

Why did Epsilon decided to go ahead and start with wind tunnel F1 model testing?

“The model was designed, CFD tests were carried out and, finally, a few weeks ago the model was built. We have been conducting wind tunnel tests since. The reason why we decided to do it is very simple. We believe in our F1 project but, if we were to be minimally prepared, we couldn’t wait until the FIA’s decision would be announced. It would have been too late to start. If we would be given the license now and have to have the car ready for next year, we would definitely struggle. But if we hadn’t had even started with wind tunnel tests, it would be impossible. We made our bet and all the progress we make is and will be useful, at least, to keep building on experience and know how.”

What is the truth in the rumors that suggest a possible Epsilon-HRT merger?

“The truth is that these rumors have no foundation whatsoever. Epsilon has its own Formula 1 project and so does Hispania. What I said was that Mr. Carabante and I were interested in having a conversation to see if there would be any possible of collaboration. Always keeping in mind the nature of our company and provided that there wouldn’t be any conflict of interests.”

What would mean for Epsilon to enter Formula 1?

“Formula 1 is the greatest expression of motorsports and technology. And these are basic principles of our company. It would mean an important step forward not only for us but also for the entire country. Entering would mean an immediate incorporation of over 150 people into the current workforce to work on that project, would mean international prestige and also to count on the best testing bench for professionals and materials that would later be applied to cutting-edge technology industries. It is not Formula 1 for just being there, but for what it entails. Formula 1 is one of our targets in the short, medium or long term. It is the greatest and fastest way to achieve our objectives but not the only one.”

Source : Epsilon Euskadi Media