sprint distances? And which other driver(s) would you like as your “ideal LeMans team-mate(s)”?
I was attracted by the LMP2 category; in my eyes, it’s the next best thing to a Formula 1 car. I am a racer and I like as much power, grip and downforce as possible. We know I am not going into Formula1 - I have no interest in Formula1, and as a driver, I see LeMans 24hours as the ultimate test of a driver so I want to see if I can rise to the challenge of the ultimate test. Depending on my performance, I hope to be picked up by LMP1 team.
In terms of who would be an ideal Endurance Racing team-mate, if I could pick there is only one driver I can think of, and that is my 2007 team-mate in Formula Ford (Nick Tandy). He drives for Porsche now in ELMS and WEC. He is a very good driver, we get on very well and we speak the “same language”. I learned an awful lot from him in 2007 and I’d like to drive with him again.
Speaking of racers and their sons, we hear that Mick Schumacher was recently crowded the World Karting Vice Champion and he aims to get into F1. Is it inevitable that racers’ children will also be attracted to motorsport?
It’s natural for kids to want to follow in their parents’ footsteps and if the parents have the expertise to teach them and bring them up in that context, I think that is one reason why children of drivers follow their fathers’ footsteps (Villeneuve, Hill, Hunt, Lauda, Brabham, Schumacher etc). I do believe in genetics as well – not just in humans, but in (racing) horses and dogs too. I’m not a scientist but I think there is some evidence that “racing genes” can be passed down (in terms of their reaction times and instincts).
About my identity, if people want to call me Freddie Hunt or James Hunt’s son, I don’t really care (he laughs). It does not change who I am – I am who I am, I know what I am doing so I don’t mind!
From a sponsorship perspective, you’ve been associated with some “non-mainstream” sponsors e.g. X-Value, how have these opportunities arisen?
X-Value (@XValueUK) is a fairly new betting/trading company, run by a friend of mine. He kindly offered to support my motorsport career and we are getting some good exposure for the company, and hope to take it mainstream soon. I believe in my friend and I am sure in years to come, it will be a successful company.
On the topic of securing sponsorship, my team at Santara Group are in talks with