Interview with Gary Paffett
Team McLaren Mercedes newest recruit, test driver Gary Paffett, spent last Friday at the McLaren Technology Centre, prior to his first official test with the team that starts today in Jerez. In addition to his seat-fitting for the MP4-21, having his ear plugs moulded and being measured for team kit, Gary took some time to answer some questions.
Congratulations on your wedding on 17th December, did you spend Christmas on honeymoon?
"Thank you, following the wedding Lisa and I went to Dubai for a week on honeymoon. We came back to the UK on Christmas Eve to spend Christmas with our son Harvey and the rest of the family. It was the first Christmas he really understood, so it was great fun. We then all went to Portugal for New Year, to stay will some friends in Faro, so it has been a busy couple of weeks following the announcement of my test role at Team McLaren Mercedes!"
How will it feel to be testing for the first time as an official Team McLaren Mercedes test driver?
"It is great, I have been really looking forward to it. Whilst I have been testing with Team McLaren Mercedes to date, I have also been trying to prove my abilities as a driver, I guess you could say it has been like a job interview at the same time. So now my sole focus will be working with the team on developing the MP4-21, which is fantastic."
How have you settled in with the team and your fellow drivers?
"Really well, I've been sporadically testing for the team on and off for the past five years since I won the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award, so I know a lot of the team already. Also, because I have been with Mercedes-Benz in the DTM for three years, I have been at events with Kimi, Juan Pablo and Pedro, and we get on really well and I am looking forward to working with them."
What is your programme up until the Bahrain Grand Prix?
"Working on the development programme for MP4-21 with the rest of the team, with a definite focus on engine and Michelin tyre work, now we have the Mercedes-Benz V8 and tyre changes during pit stops."
What are the main differences between driving a Formula One car and a DTM?
"The Mercedes-Benz DTM car I was driving last year is effectively a single seater with a body on, so the handling of the car is not too different. The biggest difference is the weight of the car, the Team McLaren Mercedes Formula One car is nearly half the weight of the DTM. Also its design creates more downforce in corners, which means you can carry a lot more speed.
You of course have the roof on the DTM, and a windscreen so you don't have a visor on your helmet, which you definitely have to adjust back to when you get in a Formula One car!"
