Q&A with Jaime Alguersuari at Rally Spain

Six days after bagging a career best seventh in the Korean Grand Prix, Spanish Scuderia Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari was in Salou yesterday (Saturday) to spectate on RallyRACC-Rally de Espana.

Wrc.com caught up with the 24-year-old RACC-backed driver to find out what he thought about the World Rally Championship.

What brought you to Rally de Espana?

“Well firstly I live near here, in Barcelona, and this year with the Korean Grand Prix last week and India next there’s no clash with Formula One so I could come and see the rally. I’m also good friends with Dani [Sordo].”

And what do you think of it?

“I was out there in a helicopter and it was unbelievable. The sightseeing was so good and the stage was very impressive - out in the mountains it looked incredible. The cars looked to have so much grip, too. They were never sideways but all the time on the line. It was very nice to see that.”

What impressed you most?

“I didn’t expect that on tarmac they would be so smooth, you know? The drivers were never pulling the car sideways, they were really smooth like a Formula One car. It was very impressive - especially as they don’t know really know what is coming after the corner. That’s why I think Kimi [Raikkonen] is struggling a little bit. It’s a different philosophy from what we are used to. I’m sure he’ll make progress and make a future in this but it’s been difficult because these WRC guys have been doing it for years.”

As a circuit racer what would you find most challenging about the WRC?

“Firstly, having another person on board, and this person is telling you lap times and advice. So you have to concentrate not only on going flat out but also on what this person is telling you. This is the first thing that you would struggle to change coming from a Formula One car. Secondly you don’t know the track. This is a big disadvantage for all of us. You can’t be pushing at 120 per cent corner after corner because you never know what is behind it. It isn’t a race track, so you are always expecting different things to happen. Then of course there is a different car, with a different level of grip, different mass and you need to adapt to this as well.”

Have you driven a World Rally Car?

“Never. But I’m quite scared at the moment because all the Formula One drivers are telling me that it’s really a cool idea, you know? I really support what Kimi has done because I think his idea of changing philosophy of driving and to go from Formula One to WRC is very challenging and difficult. For sure I would love to drive a World Rally Car but at the moment I think it’s better to stay where I am - maybe in the future we will think about that!”

How does the WRC service park compare to the F1 paddock?

“It’s very different. And this is what I really enjoyed of rallying; everything is much more open. People can just see the drivers and the cars behind and they can be very near to this environment. It’s something very cool for the show.”