Have you missed
being behind the wheel of a racing car?
"I have to say that, over the past few days, I have really wanted
to drive again and feel the speed. But at first, to be honest, I did
not miss it that much. I have been watching Eduardo grow day by day.
It's been marvellous staying at home and the last two and a half months
have been fantastic. I don't agree with what Mr. Ferrari said, that
having a child makes a driver lose a second a lap. It certainly is
not the case with Michael. Probably it has the opposite effect, because
the personal realisation even makes you work better."
What
are your aims for the new season?
"I want to be calm and relaxed, I am keen to find out about the new
car, to see how it is going and get down to some good work. I am really
lucky to drive for a such a competitive team and to have the same
car as Michael. It is not a case of who is the number one driver and
who is the number 2. Obviously, driving in the same team as Michael
is not easy, but that does not mean I lack the will to win. If I had
did not have that desire, it would be time to give up. That's why
I believe I can be champion, even with Michael as a team-mate."
What's your
relationship with Michael and what have you learned from him during
the two years that you have been team-mates?
"It's not easy for me to say in what way Michael is different to me.
We have different driving styles, but we tackle the work together.
He has been at Ferrari longer than me. But, it is clear that when
the conditions are the same for both of us, things also go well for
me. I have just been a bit unlucky.
"I always try
to do my best. Putting my mind to it, I can have the same attention
as Michael and I reckon this is the best time for me to do it. I certainly
feel in a stronger position than over the past two years and I am
happy with the way things are going. We have the same car and so,
it is down to me to get the most out of it. The car has improved every
year and I have also progressed. I think, that if I had been a bit
luckier, I could have won three or four races last year. With a bit
of luck, I reckon I could do that this year."
What are your
predictions for the 2002 season?
"I think that Ferrari will once again be the team to beat. We just
need to see what will happen on the tyre front. Our preparation is
not behind schedule on the new car and what matters is reliability."
What
about the possibility of starting the season in last year's car which,
in Schumacher's hands was very quick last Monday?
"We must wait and see what the new car is like. We could use last
year's car if it proves necessary, but it is too early to say."
What are your
thoughts about Burti working at Ferrari?
"Luciano is a great test driver and he is also a close friend. Both
Badoer and Burti will be a great help to Michael and me. Having two
test drivers will definitely be an advantage, because we have a lot
of testing to do."
Would
you prefer Formula 1 to be run under a one make tyre monopoly?
"I think the competition increases the interest because the fight
between the two companies makes for better tyres, with less risks
when driving. On top of that, it certainly adds to the spectacle."
What of the
rumours that Ferrari was interested in hiring Montoya?
"Todt has denied all these rumours and in any case, I take no notice
of these stories. I want to do well today and if I also do well tomorrow,
then the future is wide open. If you live your life under pressure,
you can't do anything. If I spent my time thinking about my contract
and that sort of thing, I would not have a life. If I do a good job
I am sure I can have an open relationship with Ferrari."
Madonna
di Campiglio, 16.01.02