Glock looks back on GP2
The Bridgestone-supported GP2 Series returns to the German circuit of Hockenheim for the sixth round of the 2008 GP2 Series. This circuit was last on the calendar in 2006 and drivers will find a challenging track at the location of the German Grand Prix, with an exciting mix of corners to test both them, and the set-up skills of their engineers. Reigning GP2 Series champion Timo Glock has a good history here as he finished on the podium both times in 2006, winning the Sprint race.
Now a driver for the Panasonic Toyota Racing Team, Timo answered the following questions:
How important was winning the GP2 Series for your return to Formula One?"GP2 was essential for me to get back to Formula One. When I was in Champ Car I had the chance to stay there and probably have a good career but I knew the only way to return to Formula One was through GP2, because then I would be racing against the best young drivers right in front of the Formula One teams. It was very special to win the GP2 title but by the time of the last race in Valencia, winning the title wasn’t crucial to joining Toyota – it was just a very nice bonus."
Do you think your experience of Bridgestone slick tyres from the GP2 Series and Champ Car World Series will help you for Formula One with slick tyres in the future?"It won’t do me any harm, that’s for sure. But in the end all the drivers in Formula 1 have had experience of slick tyres earlier in their career, in F3 or whatever. The difference for me is that GP2 and Champ Cars are more powerful so you really push the tyres more. Maybe I will have a slight advantage to start with but I am racing against the best drivers in the world so I am sure they will adapt quickly in winter testing. I am looking forward to racing in F1 on slicks; I think it is the right decision."
How different is driving a race car with slicks and one with grooved tyres?"Slick tyres offer more grip than the grooved tyres because the contact patch is larger. Therefore you can set faster lap times on slick tyres. The car balance on slicks is different and you have a much more precise front end.
What are your memories of the Hockenheimring and what is the key to a good race there?"Hockenheim is one of my favourite circuits because it is my local track and I have had a lot of good races and wins there. To have a good race there it is important to have strong top speed but there is also the last sector where there are slower corners, so you have to find a good balance. In the end I think it is a good mix of corners and I enjoy racing there."
What have been your impressions of the GP2 Series season so far in 2008?"It is a strong championship with lots of different winners. It will be tight at the end to see who wins so it should be really interesting to watch. Of course, I keep an eye on my former team, iSport, and also for my team-mate here at Toyota, Kamui Kobayashi, who is having a pretty good season at the moment."
Source Bridgestone
