Q&A with Dani Clos

Dani Clos participates with Racing Engineering for his second season in GP2. The Spanish driver has been intensely preparing himself during the winter to be in a strong position to be at the top this season. Given the long break since the last time he drove a GP2 car, Dani participated in two events of the GP2 Asia and approaches the upcoming season with dedication. We talked to him about his preparation and targets for 2010.

Have you met Christian Vietoris, your team mate for 2010, and if so, what opinion do you have of him?

To be honest, I only know him because we both participated in the F3 Euroseries the same year. But I never had a chance to really get to know him. From what I see so far, I think we will get along well and form a good team in 2010.

This is your second season in GP2 and also your second season with Racing Engineering. What about the team made you want to continue?

I really wanted to continue with Racing Engineering since last season was my rookie year in the championship and there were many things I needed to learn with little time to do so. I feel much stronger now in many ways and my team gives me a lot of confidence to fight for a top position. We have a really good work ambience and push into the same direction. We have the same goals.

What did you learn during your first season in GP2 that has helped you to improve yourself as a driver?

First of all the circuits. Almost half of them were new to me and it was quite difficult to get 100% out of only 30 minutes testing. Last year also helped me to develop as a driver and become better in many aspects. Every lap I learn something new; every time I speak to the engineers, I learn something new. I try to perceive and process all this information, which results in me improving as a driver and professional.

Do you feel that expectations are higher now that you have gathered experience during a season in GP2?

I think it’s normal that everyone has higher expectations and I myself have them as well. But I also keep my cool to do things in a correct and thoughtful way. I think it’s important to have encouraging goals. Both the team and I have very concise goals, which will give everything to achieve them.

What have you done, outside the race circuits, to prepare yourself for this season?

I had a quite intense preparation program during the winter months, although driving was not occupying a big part of it. Testing in GP2 is quite limited, so I participated in two events of the Asia Series. This brought me back into a race weekend rhythm and allowed me to drive a GP2 car before pre-season testing starts in Paul Ricard on the 23rd. I am obviously working out every day for several hours and do quite a few things to prepare the 2010 GP2 season in the best way possible.

Your target is to fight for the title, but could you also define one particular race you would like to win in 2010 and why?

To be honest, my wish is to win or be on the podium of every race. I do not have any preference regarding where I would like to win. I think a win in general is always something special, and even more so in a category like GP2. Therefore, a victory would be fantastic anywhere.

Which other drivers do you think you will have to watch this year?

It will be a tough season in GP2. There are experienced drivers staying on for another year, and many fast rookies who are moving up from lower categories. Everyone participating is a driver to watch out for. But we will know after the final test in Barcelona who will be the fastest drivers in the field.

What are your targets for the forthcoming Paul Ricard tests?

The target is to gather as much information as possible concerning the topics we have been working on during winter, to give the right feedback necessary to prepare the best car for the season, and why not, be the quickest.