Who was your favorite driver when you were a kid ?
I grew up watching Ayrton Senna, and I might say he impressed me a lot. I liked Zanardi’s experience in CART as well. Among all the drivers who have raced in F1, I would however choose François Cevert and Gilles Villeneuve, even though I never had the chance to see them racing.

What is your favorite racetrack ?
I have been very lucky so far to race in a lot of different countries. I could discover very different tracks with particular philosophies. Watkins Glen gave me great sensations, like Spa Francorchamps. I also liked Istanbul Park, Road Atlanta and Elkhart Lake.

Have you ever been injured in a crash ?
A couple of times. Especially in the United States where the car chassis wasn’t really strong. I remember having lost the car in Virginia, while a driver was coming back on track while spinning. I said to myself “This will hurt”. I hit his car and it was quite painful. Fortunatly I never had any huge crash so far.

We have seen you really quick under the rain last season. Do you like wet conditions ?
Driving under the rain is a very particular feeling. When you are driving a beast of 360hp, or even more, in “no grip” conditions, you are having a lot of fun…as long as you stay on track. I had several great races under the rain, especially in 2008 when I passed 16 cars at Elkhart Lake for taking the podium. Nevertheless, I rather race on dry conditions.

Do you have any superstitions ?
Not really. I have a few traditions, like saying a particular poem while my mechanic fasten my seat belts.

What is your best racing moment ?
Definitely Izmir in 2006. It was my first F3 race and I was last at the first corner. I managed to overtake all the field to take my maiden win in the last lap. Some people told me I seemed sad on the podium, but it was just the fact I didn’t realized what had happened. It was a great time.

What is the best car you have ever driven ?
The F3000 / AutoGP car is really impressive. I took a lot of fun driving it. The engine is a 600hp V8, which gives you quite a reasonable top speed, and the braking is amazing. I would vote for that one.

What do you do in your spare time ?
Most of the time, I am focused on my career and on finding funds to race. But when I am not doing this, I like watching movies at home : now I have a collection of 2000 movies. I also like taking some time in natural places : lakes, forests, etc… It is very relaxing and my dog can have a lot of fun there.