Q&A with Néstor Girolami

Néstor Girolami is the latest South American sensation to race in the FIA World Touring Car Championship. Here, the 26-year-old Argentine reveals how he plans to make the most of a two-event deal to drive a Honda Racing team Sweden Civic WTCC and what he really thinks about world champion José María López.

Welcome to the WTCC Néstor, can you tell everyone a little bit about you and what you’re going to be doing in Slovakia?

“I’m 26 years old and a racing driver from Argentina. In fact, I come from the same Córdoba Province as José María López. He won the Super TC2000 title in 2012 and I won the title in 2014. After three races this year I am third in the points. Slovakia Ring will be the first of two WTCC Races I am doing in a NIKA International Honda Civic.”

What does this opportunity mean to you?

“I am really very happy and motivated with this opportunity, and I want to thank Peugeot Argentina for giving me the green light to do these two races, François Ribeiro from Eurosport Events, who played a very important role for my arrival into the WTCC and NIKA International for all their efforts. It’s definitely the best opportunity I have had in my career.”

Slovakia Ring is first, what’s the plan for the race weekend?

“The first step must be to finish the races. We will make a test before the race but everything will still be very new: new car, new team and new track. I really know nothing so I need some time to get comfortable in the car and learn all the different things about racing in the WTCC.”

But good racing drivers like you want more than race finishes, surely a push for some points is part of the plan?

“Yes of course I would like to leave with some points but I prefer to take everything step-by-step at first. I have only seen Slovakia Ring from on-board cameras. At least the TC2000 car I drive in Argentina is similar to a TC1 WTCC car in that it’s powerful with front-wheel drive and purpose-built for racing.”

And your WTCC adventure doesn’t stop with Slovakia Ring, right?

“We race again at Vila Real in Portugal next month. It’s a street track but actually I like racing in these conditions. We have street races in Santa Fe in Argentina. You have to be really focused not to make a mistake. The advantage I have, if that’s the right word, is that it’s a new track for everybody because I think most of my WTCC rivals have raced at Slovakia Ring before.”

Surely you don’t want to stop after two races, do you?

“I would love to come to the WTCC next year and race all the time. It is a very big and professional championship and I want to be a part of it, particularly because we have a race in Argentina and this would be very special. This is what we are working hard towards achieving but we have to take things slowly and keep the focus on these two races before we think too much about the future.”

You tested a LADA Vesta in Hungary earlier this year. How did that go and was there not the possibility to turn that test into a race or two with LADA?

“It was amazing to experience the WTCC because I flew to Hungary early to watch the race, which took place a few days before the test. I must say the LADA was very good to drive and I appreciated the chance I had with the team. Also it was good to learn another track because I could be coming back to the Hungaroring in the future if everything goes to plan. There was not the possibility to do more with LADA, but a good chance with NIKA and the Honda and I am very pleased with this opportunity.”

Everybody knows about the success ‘Pechito’ López has achieved since coming to the WTCC. Your rivalry with him in Argentina is legendary. What has he told you about the WTCC and, in a fair fight, can you beat him?

“Pechito is a very good driver, I have beaten him before and he has beaten me. In 2012 he took the title by six points in the last race, such a small difference after a long year. He is the reference now in the WTCC and has won everything. It would be amazing if I could achieve what he has done but I’m just at the start of my WTCC career and there is a long way to go.”

What knowledge do you have about your Honda Civic WTCC and the level it is at?

“Until the test it’s difficult to say but I know it is competitive, winning races and finishing on the podium. And the Honda factory drivers, Monteiro and Tarquini, plus Michelisz are very good. In fact I hope to get some good advice from them for my adaptation to the WTCC.”

Will you go to Pechito for advice ahead of Slovakia and do you think he will give you any?

“Of course we will talk but it’s difficult for him to give me advice. We are in different cars and he is fighting for the title. I am here to learn the car, the track and the championship. One day I would like to think we are both against each other trying to win the WTCC title. Then I will definitely not go to him for advice!”

Where do you see yourself in one year from now?

“Hopefully racing in the WTCC. That is the objective and I really hope it can be possible. For now I must focus on learning as much as I can in the two races and the Super TC2000 championship in Argentina of course.”