Team representatives: Eric Boullier (Lotus), Monisha Kaltenborn (Sauber), Ross Brawn (Mercedes), Stefano Domenicali (Ferrari), Christian Horner (Red Bull Racing) and Martin Whitmarsh (McLaren).
Press conference
Q:
Eric, first of all great news from you yesterday on the Burn sponsorship. Can you tell us a little more about it? Is it a title sponsorship? How big is it?
Eric Boullier:
I'm not going to release any more information; we have a marketing and communication plan about the endorsement and so you will know later a little bit more detail about this deal.
Q:
Is it big enough to make a big difference to your budget for next year? Does that mean you can spend more on development? You know what it takes now.
Eric Boullier:
Whatever it is, it's always welcome. It's obviously more budget for next year and the next years, and it's going to be good to have this brand on the car, obviously, and all the activations that go on around; also promotion for the team and Formula One.
Q:
Can you be a top contender for next year then?
Eric Boullier:
Ah, I don't know yet to be honest. There is some stability in the regulations so it's going to be up to every team to deliver a good car for next year. I cannot see any reason why we would lose some ground, I just hope that yes, we will be better. I know Kimi will be on top form from race one, so that will be a big change for us as well.
Q:
Monisha, today you announced Esteban Gutiérrez as your… number two driver I guess. How important was it to maintain the Mexican connection?
Monisha Kaltenborn:
Well, it's always good if you have stability but I think you have to also see clearly that these are two different issues. Just because Esteban is from Mexico it's not the same situation as we had with Sergio because unlike Sergio, Esteban is not a member of the Escudería Telmex. Of course there's a natural connection there because Telmex has this bigger vision of establishing motor sport in Mexico and Latin America, but it's a different situation. But it's important for the team's stability to continue with the partners.
Q:
Both your drivers are very popular but sadly it seemed that worked against Kamui, is that the case?
Monisha Kaltenborn:
I won't say it worked against him. To take up a new driver is always a strategic decision where many factors play a role. Kamui has been with us for the last three years. He's a very good driver, he is an excellent team player and actually a very fine human being so it's tough to take such a decision. I think if a driver deserves to be in
Formula One he's definitely one of them and I hope he can get support from Japanese companies – because Japan is an important market for
Formula One – and stay in the sport.
Q:
Ross, obviously we're losing double DRS next year. Is that going to be a big change for you for next year's car?
Ross Brawn: