Nelson, the team took its first victory of the season in Singapore, but your race ended earlier than expected…
NP: "It’s a superb result for the team because everybody has worked hard to make this possible, so it’s a nice reward. But I have to admit that I was disappointed with my race. From the start things were difficult and starting so far down the grid meant the race was always going to be tough. I had a long phase of graining and the situation only got worse. The team asked me to push, which I was trying to do, but I eventually lost the rear of my car and so it’s a race to forget on my side."

The team remains in Asia for the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend. How are you approaching this race?
NP: "It’s another circuit that I don’t know and that I will have to learn. I will try to get up to speed as quickly as possible on Friday and make the most of the three hours of practice available to me. The team has some data from last year and so I have been preparing with that and will learn more with my engineers during our circuit walk on Thursday."

The Japanese Grand Prix is always a popular race on the calendar. Are you looking forward to driving at Fuji?
NP: "Yes, apparently the Japanese fans are very enthusiastic which makes for a very special atmosphere at the Grand Prix. I can’t wait to drive at Fuji as the circuit seems interesting and I’m determined to have a good race, which is what I need."

We remember the poor weather conditions last year, which allowed Heikki Kovalainen to spring a surprise and finish on the podium. Do you like driving in those sorts of conditions?
NP: "A wet weather race is always unpredictable and more tricky, but it can hep you get a good result, as Heikki did last year. I will cope with whatever conditions we get and in any case, the track conditions are the same for all of us and I will do my best whether it’s wet or dry."

E.A. © CAPSIS International