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Q: How did
your first test day go in Barcelona this week?
PM: We had a KERS problem which unfortunately cost a few hours’ track
time and we only did two short runs. It is better for the problems to come
out now though than on a race weekend; that is what testing is for. We have
a new aero package here as well, with more upgrades to come in Australia, so
I am keen to get back in the car to try them out.
Q: How are
you finding the step up to Formula One? Do you think you are making good
progress?
PM: I am feeling better and better within the team and I am enjoying
working to adapt the car to my driving style. It is really good.
Q: How is
your fitness coming along?
PM: You can always improve your fitness if you keep training. I do lots
of running and have also improved what I eat so I’m a bit lighter than I was
which is good for the team. I am hoping being very light will help me this
season!
Q: How does
it feel to jump into a brand new car as opposed to the FW32, as you did in
Abu Dhabi, which had a whole year of development behind it?
PM: Starting from zero is a bit different. Last year I just had to focus
on myself and on improving lap by lap. Now we need to keep working together
to develop the car as well, so there will be more of a job to do. The
feeling in the team and with my engineers is good. I know it will be a
really great season with them.
Q: Do you
feel there is a lot of pressure and expectation on you?
PM: No, I don’t have this kind of pressure. I do my best to understand
everything, and to do the best job I can for the team. Our aim is to get the
most out of the FW33. We will see what we can do at the first race but I
feel ready. I am very happy for my country as they are pushing very hard for
me and that is something special. I am here to do my job as well as I can
and once I am in the car that is my only focus.
Q: How do you
feel heading into your first Formula One race?
PM: It is going to be an exciting moment for me. I have been racing for
many years and I have waited many years to be in Formula One so sitting on
the grid in Melbourne is going to be great.. I am going to try to treat it
like any other race though. My objective is to finish the race, if
everything goes well, I don’t see why we can’t score points as well.
Q: What is
your objective for the 2011 season?
PM: To learn, be really quick, do my best for the team and improve
race-by-race. |
