Dani Clos calm, concentrated and focused

With only a day to go for the 2010 GP2 season to kick off at the circuit of Cataluña, on the outskirts of Barcelona, Dani Clos’ hometown, the Racing Engineering driver is eager to get into the Dallara GP2 car. The young Spaniard appears more focused and determined than ever, having learned a lot from his first year in GP2 in 2009. Dani will be able to apply his excellent performance during the pre-season tests to the race event starting on Friday with the first free practice and qualifying sessions of the 2010 season.

Dani, this will be your second season in GP2 and you have completed six days of pre-season tests in Paul Ricard and Barcelona. Is there any difference in your preparation for the 2010 season compared to last season when you were a rookie?

Of course, I’ve learned many things and gained a lot of experience last year. Based on this, I am starting this year’s season with a completely different mind set and different work methodology. I think I am on the right path and feel really good and I am confident about the upcoming season.

Tomorrow, the 2010 season starts at your home track. How does it feel to race in front of so many supporters and your fans?

To be honest, for me it’s like any other track during the season. It’s nice to have my people, my supporters so close, but I am always trying to give it my best no matter where I am racing. But it is definitely nice to have my fans so close and I hope together we will be able to enjoy this weekend.

You finished last year’s season on a high. You qualified the car to the front row and also had your first podium in GP2. What did this mean for you and how did it contribute to your approach for the 2010 GP2 season? Can we expect you to progress from there?

For me the season starts at zero again. I go into each race as if it is the last one. I am working hard and trying to do my best at any moment. I have learned from last season and I won’t make the same mistakes again. Therefore, the results achieved in Portimao were nice, but have nothing to do with 2010. We all start from scratch.

Given your experience and based on what you saw during the pre-season tests, who do you think will be your main competitors for the 2010 season?

Well, there are many quick drivers out there and many have the experience and qualities to be at the top. All of them are competitors and I’m not worried about who will be the hardest one to beat. I have to concentrate on myself and get my job done.

There is obviously a certain expectation that you will be winning races this year given the results during your last race weekend with Racing Engineering and your performance during the season’s preparation. Does this add pressure to you?

No. I don’t feel any pressure. I am calm, concentrated and very focused on my target.