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Cyril Abitebul: it is important to start working on a new
Cyril Abitebul: it is important to start working on a new
In 2013, the year Caterham F1 has completely changed: now it will be Charles Peak and rookie of the Formula 1 Guido van der garde. Team principal Cyril Abiteboul came into this post just last fall, in an interview with the British TV channel Sky Sports talked about the expectations for the upcoming season...
Question: What can you say about ST, new car Caterham, compared with last year's chassis? What had changed in her constructively?
Cyril Abiteboul: If we talk about the design of the machine, it is necessary to mention two things. This is largely an evolution of last year's models that we do not hide. First of all, if you look where the starting field we are in, it becomes clear that our resources are very limited. Therefore, they need to manage effectively.
We evaluated our car from the point of view of efficiency. For example, we decided to use last year's monocoque: the production process is very expensive and time consuming. The team recently moved to a new base, and production area has not yet reached the required level.
Soon everything will be tuned, but until this work is not finished, so we decided to use the old monocoque, to free up resources and focus them on other areas.
The details of the body, the side pontoons and diffuser - brand new. We were going to otherwise arrange the airflow around the car, because a lot depends on this. During the season we're going to present this model innovations: we intend to modernize the machine. ST is the fruit of careful analysis: we tried to make maximum use of what was done last year, and to find the right balance with what was achieved in winter. Small teams can't afford to simultaneously engage multiple programs.
Question: Teams usually represent the first set of updates already on the last test in Barcelona. Caterham will have by this time?
Cyril Abiteboul: We will continue the introduction of new components for the second test session and will do so until the first race of the championship. Then during the season will receive further news. Although this is a transitional year and we are already preparing for 2014, the modernization of the machine will continue.
We are also going to be careful, what you'll be doing the rest of the team. You always want to know how you rank against the rivals. The tests in Jerez, primarily aimed to test the machine and identify the primary issues. I think that on subsequent tests we'll have a better idea of what they have achieved other.
Question: You mentioned your rivals. Who do you consider rivals Caterham this season?
Cyril Abiteboul: Good question, because the answer is not yet clear. We have to see what changes have happened over the winter, and what effect will the new Pirelli tires. If everything will go as last year, maybe the opponents will change. Last season, Williams and Toro Rosso closed group teams middle. Of course, Marussia was behind us. We expect that the situation will remain about the same, but we cannot exclude that it will somehow change.
Question: Talking about the prospect of earning points until, apparently, it makes no sense? In the past, Tony Fernandes, co-owner of the team, wanted to Caterham such a task, but it was not carried out. Now this is not going?
Cyril Abiteboul: We do not speak, and continue to hope. I think in the coming season, when Caterham will be performing two young pilot, you can expect that they will try to use every opportunity. Let's face the truth: while we do not claim points, but if in the course of the season we will be able perfectly to work, then in the second half of the year the situation may change. However, sometimes races are held in odd scenario and are accompanied by numerous gatherings, so nothing can be ruled out.
We understand that by inviting young riders, to some extent at risk, but also know that they have some experience, although it is not associated with Formula 1. So expect that they will try to take any chances.
Question: You acknowledge that the team must improve efficiency in several areas, but at the same time invite inexperienced riders. But two or three years ago, when the team was created, it was made by professionals with experience of victories. The impression is that the level of expectations was below...
Cyril Abiteboul: I guess to some extent this is true. When Tony Fernandes and shareholders Caterham invited me to this work, they wanted some change. Perhaps what was done in the past, did not bring the desired effect, because it was expected that Caterham will be able to enter the number of teams middle. But this did not happen - we know that in Formula 1, you cannot cut corners.
Racers is one of the structural members, consisting of many parts. Perhaps the most important, but in the case of Caterham I don't think they should be put at the forefront. In our case, they cannot be considered as a priority: I think the situation will be balanced at the expense of other elements. Perhaps in the past, such a balance was not. Will try to achieve.
The command cannot be considered ideal, because our pilots with little experience. But we must be honest, must ensure that the team was in the right mood, so that we can develop and improve their skills.
You say that our riders have enough experience. In the case of Guido this is so, because he is yet to debut in the Formula 1. But he has enormous experience in other series, which is not much inferior to F1. I don't know, he was lucky or not, but his companions were and Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg.
Charles last season played in Formula 1 in the composition of Marussia. About this command, you cannot say anything bad, but I suppose it is fair to stress that it focused Timo Goku, and Charles Peak was rider number two. In our team both drivers have equal status.
Racers have much to learn, and we expect from them this.
Question: Marussia honestly said that he refused services Glock for financial reasons. In Caterham have changed for the same reason?
Cyril Abiteboul: I think it would be fair to say that our racers have commercial value. Supported by the company, and I don't think it's a minus. In the case of Guido van der garde is a company McGregor, who supports him with the 2007 year. McGregor was also a sponsor of the Williams and collaborated with other teams in Formula 1. They understand the business and know how F1 works.
The same can be said about Charles Peak, which supports Renault. When your team is young, and it is not easy to attract sponsors, all this is very important. Commercial value of each racer's need to adequately compare with the commercial value of the team. And we are not afraid to admit that should use it. But I don't think this aspect dominates over the other advantages of our pilots.
Question: So, the reason why the team has parted ways with Heikki Kovalainen, other? Does not coincide with that which Timo Glock has left Marussia?
Cyril Abiteboul: We continue negotiations with Heikki, to understand whether you can bring it to another project. I'll be honest: we'd like to keep a seasoned professional in the team, and if the circumstances are favorable, we would be interested in further cooperation. I'm not going to downplay the value of experience in Formula 1. This equally applies to the mechanics and engineers, and team leaders... Though I do experience a little while!
Question: do You think Heikki is nearing completion of a career?
Cyril Abiteboul: I do not think that career Heikki or Vitaly Petrov completed, although it is not my place to say this. But I think that Heikki and Caterham have to change the format of relations. And now we are analyzing the situation, trying to understand whether this is possible. The format that was used last year didn't work.
Question: What do you mean?
Cyril Abiteboul: To be honest, I think both sides are to blame. Let's be honest: I think we disappointed our riders, brought them in the sense that it could not fulfill the promise that was given to them. This can be done once, maximum twice... Our relationship with Heikki lasted for three years, and all that they said.
I think at some point at the end of last season, perhaps the parties have less trust in each other. And we must now see whether we can reach a different level of relationship, but start to build from scratch relationships with two new riders.
Question: So, Heikki was dissatisfied with the pace of the team's progress?
Cyril Abiteboul: Of course. Progress was untenable, including shareholders Caterham. That means we need to work better. But we much change on the basis of the command, changing the culture of production. It is important to start working in a new way.
