Thread: Olivier Panis: the new Ferrari makes a strong impression

Olivier Panis: the new Ferrari makes a strong impression

In an interview with Olivier Panis shared their observations about the balance of power in the peloton, spoke about the goals for the upcoming season of his ward Charles Peak and wished good luck to former teammate ORECA Bruno Senna...

Question: Olivier, the first tests behind. It is clear that to talk about the balance of power early, but still: you expect the fight will be as unpredictable?
Olivier Panis: I'm pretty sure. Look at the protocols - all very close to each other, and I think the difference is smaller machines became even less than last year. I think we will see a great fight, I expect the middle even stronger catch up to the leaders.

I have a good feeling about this relatively Ferrari. Time Felipe on Thursday was very good. But even this is not important. I went to look at cars, and Ferrari still makes the best impression. Strongly appear to McLaren, no doubt, Red Bull, and I would say Mercedes. The speed that they support in the medium-speed and high-speed turns, really impressive. Besides from it is evident that the pilots are not afraid to attack round and round - that is, they are confident in the car. This is a good sign, especially for the first tests. It seems to me that these four teams still ahead, but the Ferrari has a slight advantage.
Question: What do you think about Lotus?
Olivier Panis: They are good, but I wouldn't say that they got the cars the same as other leaders. In any case, it is difficult to say something. Maybe they were working on another program. You yourself have said: to draw conclusions after the first test days is quite difficult.

Question: What do you expect this year from Charles?
Olivier Panis: Before him a new challenge. He went to another team, he will work with KERS and engine of Renault. It is clear that it will not be easy, but he is focused and ready to give 100%. That's the main thing. Goal? I think it would be nice to earn points. It's not so easy, but why not put this task before him? It motivates.

Question: Marussia and Caterham teams at the same level, the same Charles have now to adapt to his new team. What are the advantages of transition?
Olivier Panis: Last year, we were satisfied with the joint work with Marussia. But for the future we have a serious partner. When a company such as Renault wants to take a pilot under his wing, working with him-we hope-for many years, it is impossible to say no. So Renault is the main reason. So it was decided to move in Caterham. Yes, the new team will have to adapt to, but the plan is that Charles must stay here over the next several years and grow with the team.

Question: Companion of Charles Guido van der garde will debut in the Formula 1. You would prefer to have a pilot with lots of experience?
Olivier Panis: Charles is already behind one year in Formula 1. He knows, he studied all the tracks of the championship. In addition, he learned a lot from Timo. Now I don't think it's so important. Personally I don't care. Experienced companion as well, but Guido we are happy. They played together on the same team in GP2, since they have a good relationship, they know each other, so this should help. Van der garde also deserve a chance to show what he can do.



Question: You were teammates with Bruno hay a few years ago in Le Mans. Now, after several very successful years in Formula 1, Bruno returned in the endurance race. . .
Olivier Panis: First of all, I must say that I was one of Bruno's very good. He's a great guy, we spent a lot of time together, and he is one of the best riders I know.

Formula 1? You know how difficult it is now to consolidate in the championship. Compare the composition of the previous year and the current. We lost seven or eight pilots, including guy, who had recently ascended to the podium. This is not an easy sport. Not everything depends on the rider. It's sad, but such is reality.
I think Bruno was a little unlucky last year. Even though this is not quite the right word. Still Maldonado was a little stronger. The pastor is very very fast on one lap, and qualifications had an overwhelming advantage. But in the race, when Bruno was in the hands of a good machine, he regularly earned points. My personal opinion: he was good enough to stay, but this is the modern Formula 1.
Le Mans is another category, but very interesting and 12:0 am truly special race. This is one of the best races in the world, one of the most interesting. I'm happy for Bruno that he had found a good team and signed a good contract.