We’ve seen a lot of changes in the world of racing, particularly when it comes to drivers that are on the cusp of breaking through to the world of Formula One, but with budgets to get onto the ladder unless you are in a top team, it means that drivers like GP2’s Fabio Leimer and James Calado have landed drives in the WEC in both the LMP1-L and GTE Pro category.
One other addition that should not be discounted is that of another Brit that got a lifeline by RUSSIAN TIME to race in GP2 last year, and was that close to winning the title, had it not been for misfortune in the final race weekend of the year at YAS Marina.
Sam Bird is now in the world of sportscars and made an instant impact, having secured Pole Position in the #51 AF Corse Ferrari 458 this past weekend, and followed that up with an impressive run in the varying conditions at Silverstone. The 27-year-old Briton took the pressure of starting for the race and with his team mates Michele Rugolo and Australia’s Stephen Wyatt getting their first podium of the year, placing third.
Sam, you’ve entered GT racing here in the WEC with quite a bang, getting Pole Position on your debut outing, especially with the Prancing Horse on display on your overall giving you a lot of satisfaction after today?
Absolutely, as it is my first race for AF Corse at home, getting the top spot is such a great feeling. It has been a great team effort, with Michele Rugolo doing a fantastic job for us to get P1, and we were even challenging the guys in the PRO category. It was a really good start to the weekend.
It’s very different to going from a GP2 car with a significant amount of downforce in comparison to the 458 Italia and having that screaming V8 behind you. What are the biggest changes you’ve found by coming into the series?
It may be a lot slower on the lap time, but you do have to work hard for it. It is a tough competitive field in GTs. When you’re going up the ranks in F3, GP3 and GP2, you’re so blinkered towards Formula One, that you don’t realize other things. Coming into the GT world now, there are some great names out there. I’m learning all the time from Toni and GImmi, who are two of the best drivers in the world.
Thankfully, they’re both driving for AF Corse and they are great guys, having being a big help so far for me to improve both as a driver and a team player, a very important part of racing in GTs.
I’m really enjoying life here in the WEC and with Ferrari.