Jean-Eric Vergne: I have added greatly

The upcoming season could be the key in the career of Jean-Eric Verne: it is possible that mark Webber will finish his career, and then French racer will get the chance to be among the candidates to replace. In a conversation with journalists Jean-Eric Verne spoke about his goals for the season 2013th year...

Question: Jean-Eric, in what areas do you need to make progress in the new season to become better as a racer?
Jean-Eric Verne: I had a difficult season, had a lot to learn. Now I will be able to spend more time details: features settings, work with rubber, passing lap in qualifying. In these areas I need to improve most.

Question: Last year's difficulties were associated with the machine or with the characteristics of rubber?
Jean-Eric VerneLast year we had their hands tied. The new machine has changed dramatically in technical terms, it concerns the layout of the internal nodes, the characteristics of the suspension and other parts. Now I can concentrate on what you want out of the machine. During the winter tests need to understand its features, and then adapted to fit your requirements. I think it will help to make progress in qualifying and in the races.

Question: next year will see major changes in the regulations. When the team is going to switch to working on the machine for the 2014 year?
Jean-Eric VerneAlthough now I know much more about Formula 1, I still do not have sufficient experience to assist engineers in the development of the new machine. I believe in the team and trust the professionals involved in the machine for the next season.

Question: the fact that you have spent a full season in Formula 1, helps in preparation for the winter tests?
Jean-Eric Verne In the next few weeks we will learn a new car, understand its peculiarities and differences from last year. If we do everything right, you will win time, which will give us the opportunity to make changes in the car. These tests are very important, although we will not be able to know the true speed of the machine, because for the first race it will change a lot. I'm not going to pay attention to the result, the main task is to understand the characteristics of innovations. This is our only goal.

Question: you have the opportunity to take a step forward in the new season?
Jean-Eric Verne: Yes, but I'm not worried. I know that if I can demonstrate the speed, which are capable of, everything will be fine. Last year I proved it in the tank, which was at my disposal, and had some good races. This year, the car will be faster, and I'm more experienced. The combination of these two factors will help to achieve more.

Question: You and Antonio Felix da Costa, a few years ago were rivals. Now he is a participant of the youth program of Red Bull and theoretically has a chance to replace you in the Toro Rosso. Does this bother you?
Jean-Eric VerneYes, he has a chance. At the Red Bull its approach to working with young pilots, and I don't see a problem. I'm in the same situation that Antonio Felix da Costa - he's a good racer, and if he will cope with his work, you deserve a place in the Formula 1. Policy Red Bull is that Daniel and I have a good chance one day to go to Red Bull, if we are fast enough. Then Toro Rosso will be exempt vacancy, which may take Antonio. I'm in the Formula 1 not for the fact of participation in the championship, I have goals and I want to implement them. The pressure comes only from me.

Question: What can you say about new tires?
Jean-Eric Verne: While it's hard for me to say something, I drove on them only a few laps in the first part of the free races of the Grand Prix of Brazil. In any case, they are different from last year.

Question: what is this difference?
Jean-Eric Verne: They have a different structure, different design - there are many differences. I would not like to speak on this topic, but all the teams are equal, and we must learn to work with them.

Question: You want to say that your situation was complicated?
Jean-Eric VerneLast year some teams better than others understand the features of rubber, which is probably impossible to say about us. Now we have the chance to catch up with them.

Question: Timo Glock announced the transition in the DTM. Now harder to get into Formula 1, without sponsors? You would be able to get into the championship without the support of Red Bull?
Jean-Eric Verne: I don't think it is now more difficult to get to Formula 1 than before. Rent-drivers have always been there, but I don't want to comment on this question. I was lucky to get the support of Red Bull, I did not pay millions of dollars to get into Formula 1, and thankful for that Red Bull. I have nothing more to add.

Question: would You be disappointed if it were not so talented racer as you took your place in the team, paying him a decent amount?
Jean-Eric Verne: Probably. It's hard for me to judge because I've never been in a similar situation. Probably I would find it hard to accept the fact that I lost my place in the Formula 1 just because someone has more money. It's sad, but it happens already for many years.

Question: What contribution was made by James Key in the team?
Jean-Eric Verne: A large - changed the philosophy of the team, we have a different machine. In Toro Rosso and previously worked a lot, but now we are moving in the right direction. Hopefully, this will affect the results.

Question: When creating a machine you could influence its design to better fit your style?
Jean-Eric VerneIn the winter I spent several days at the team, talked to the engineers about the areas in which, in my opinion, we are inferior to rivals. I don't have much experience to specifically say what it is I want from the car. I can only describe the feelings that are expected from a new car. It's nice that engineers carefully listened. I hope my comments had a positive impact on the new machine.

Question: In the team listen to you more than last year?
Jean-Eric Verne: Yes, definitely more. Last year I spent my first season, and I almost had nothing to say.