Q&A with Jérôme D’Ambrosio

Back in Belgium for his home Grand Prix, we caught up with third driver Jérôme D’Ambrosio to get his thoughts on the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, in addition to an insider’s view on the weekend ahead for the Lotus team.

Jérôme, first of all welcome home! How does it feel to be back in Belgium?

Well, yesterday it felt a bit wet but that’s Spa! It’s great to be here and I’ve got a busy weekend despite not being in the car; working with the partners and local media – some of which don’t get to travel across the globe with the sport. It’s always a special feeling to be at your home Grand Prix and the circuit always makes for great racing so I’m looking forward to an exciting weekend.

There’s been a lot of focus on you from the fans and media here; it must be a great feeling to have so much support?

Of course, Spa is not like anywhere else in the world and it’s always nice to see so many fans around the circuit. Before I came into the sport last year there hadn’t been a Belgian driver in Formula 1 since Philippe Adams in 1994 so you can really feel the enthusiasm around having a home driver in the sport. There’s a great atmosphere this weekend too as the Grand Prix has recently been confirmed for another three years which is fantastic.

This is a circuit you know particularly well and of course you drove here in Formula 1 last year; what are your favourite elements of this track?

For me the double left hander between Curve Paul Frère and the final chicane is where I really enjoy driving the car. It’s a very long turn taken at very high speed and you can really feel the car working. Of course, Eau Rouge and Raidillion are very special corners. You get a fantastic feeling going through that section and even though you know it can be taken flat, you really have to concentrate and put your faith in the car.

The team comes into this weekend on a real high after Hungary; what are your hopes for this weekend?

To be honest I think the whole team is targeting wins; not just here but throughout the rest of the season. I don’t think we can aim any lower than that if we want to get the results we know the team is capable of. Another double podium would be great for the team, but I’d love to see us finally take that first win at my home race. Let’s see what happens!

Source : www.lotusf1team.com