Christian Vietoris: “Rookies can win the championship”

Racing Engineering’s Christian Vietoris is looking forward to the 2010 GP2 season to start. The German rookie will make his GP2 debut with the Spanish outfit this weekend in Barcelona. Showing his competitiveness during the pre-season testing, he is facing this new challenge in this career with clearly defined goals and a lot of determination.

Christian, the first round of the 2010 GP2 Series is just around the corner and everything is prepared. What is it you are doing these days before the season finally kicks off in Barcelona?

There are just a few days left until the first race meeting and everything looks pretty much set up. We had some good test days in Barcelona a couple of weeks ago and I am really looking forward to the first race. I was in Spain last week spending some time with my team. We were working on different points and looking for things we could improve further.

You have participated in the Asia Series, and had six intense test days with your team, Racing Engineering. Compared to the championship you participated in last season, what would you regard as the main differences?

The biggest difference between Asia and Main Series is mainly the car. GP2 is the most important championship, the highest category I raced in so far and I am really happy to be a part of it. Asia was definitely good practice and an important part of my preparation. I feel ready for GP2 now. This is the season which counts for me and I hope we can do a good job and fight for the championship.

You had a very successful test in Barcelona, where you set the fastest time on the last day. What do the results achieved during this test mean for you and do they influence your expectations for this race weekend?

Exactly, during the last test in Barcelona we obtained quite good results. We were competitive throughout all three days and also on cold tyres. Setting the fastest lap, after the third and second fastest times during the previous days, was another big motivation for me. I didn’t know the track completely before the test, but after three days I can say that it’s a track I know and very much like. I am really looking forward to racing in Barcelona and think we can do a good job there.

Your team, Racing Engineering, has set winning both 2010 titles as the target for this season. Does this put pressure on you or is it more of an additional motivator?

We share the target of winning the championship. It has to be my goal and is definitely motivating me. On the other hand, it is my first year in the championship, but the tests and pre-season preparation went well. I therefore think it is a goal we can achieve. Everything looks well, the motivation is here and we can win the two titles.

Being a GP2 rookie in 2010, and knowing that many experienced drivers participate in this year’s championship, where do you see yourself? Who will be the drivers to look out for?

I think being a rookie is not big issue in 2010. Of course, there are some race tracks I do not know and have to learn. This is most probably the only real advantage the experienced drivers have. But for me it’s much more important that I feel well in the team, have a fast car and know I just need to go out there and do it. So, being a rookie, in my opinion, is not making a big difference. The past has shown that rookies can win the championship. Hopefully I will be one of them.