Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 31st January

The very best from the mouths of those in the know.

New Drivers in F1

Race and test seats see some new names…

• “Three years ago when I returned from Europe I couldn’t imagine getting this opportunity again. I know how difficult it is to get into F1. Thank God the results and many other things came together. There are five new teams in F1 with more seats available.” Jose Maria Lopez
• “If you are trying to win a championship, to not allow your principal drivers the Friday session is not something we would contemplate. But it’s something that some other teams are looking at and it’s a great opportunity for Paul.” Martin Whitmarsh on Paul di Resta
• “This opportunity gives me even more positive energy to improve as a driver and achieve my future targets as my ultimate goal will be to become Formula 1 world champion one day.” Valtteri Bottas

Thoughts on Schumacher

Michael and more share some musings…

• “I’m hot. It’s just taking far too long to get going and we can’t wait for next week. I have no issues with the neck. I’ve done the GP2 test and lots of preparation in the winter, lots of check to make sure all is good.” Michael Schumacher
• “think there’s lots of analysis that show the peak of your physical condition is in your 30s. It depends on the sport and Michael is achieving the parameters he was achieving when he was younger, in terms of his training, endurance, stamina and strength. He’s already reaching the parameters he was achieving many years ago.” Ross Brawn
• “We can’t forget we wanted him to be Felipe Massa’s replacement last season. He will be one of our rivals, just like Mercedes, and Rosberg, McLaren, with two great drivers, and Red Bull. The title will be fought between ourselves and another three teams.” Stefano Domenicali

Testing Begins Soon

The teams start to ready their new cars…

• “Nico will start with the car. What we want to try and do is give both drivers a drive on the first day. The first day is about checking the car and inspecting all the pieces – and there will be several strip downs of critical parts.” Ross Brawn
• “Bahrain is a test, it’s not a first race for us. The cars are very advanced, we have a driver under contract and our intention is to be in Bahrain for the first race.” Daniel Eisen, Campos Meta
• “It is a very tight programme for everybody with the new car. We’ve only got four tests and we need to make the maximum amount of time prior to the first test. The performance of the car is the most important thing for all of us.” Ross Brawn