GdF:
Clearly, we are on a big push to put the team together so that we can hit the ground running as soon as possible. I don't want to make any predictions and I don't have any specific timelines in my head. I know the competition is very strong and it is going to be a tough year, but whenever I enter a race it is with the intention of winning, which, unfortunately, doesn't always happen! However, we have to be realistic and it is sure to take a little time to find our feet.
Q:
How hard will it be to combine team management with racing the car?
GdF:
In the past I have said it would be difficult to do both, so I recognise it's going to be a major challenge. However, I'm confident that, having had several discussions with Acura and thought about it carefully, I can set the team up with right infrastructure to allow me to perform both roles to the maximum of my ability.
Q:
Having retired from driving at the end of 2003, what makes you want to return to the cockpit in 2008 and was that part of deal with Honda?
GdF:
There have been moments when I missed driving, and those moments have come with different frequency. I certainly missed the thrill of pushing myself and a car to the limit - that is something that is hard to replace. Even though I've been out of the cockpit for four years, I'm doing my very best to regain my form and fitness. If I'm able to do that, then hopefully, I'll be competitive. These prototypes are high-downforce, high-grip machines, and not unlike the cars I was accustomed to racing. I'm fully focused and confident I'll be competitive. As always, my aim is to be the fastest guy out there.
Q:
Do you have a short-list of potential drivers and have you started talking to anyone?
GdF:
I have some ideas, but I am not going to share them yet. But I can tell you that I'm looking for the fastest possible driver I can lay my hands on! It's important for the team to have someone who's super-quick, and that's true for me, too. Having been away from the cockpit, it's important to know I'm on the pace.
Q:
These must be exciting times for you…
GdF:
Yes, in many ways it's a dream come true. This is a fantastic opportunity – moreso as it's in partnership with Acura, a company I know so well and which has such an unrivalled motorsport pedigree in so many different disciplines worldwide. The challenge is enormous, but that makes it all the more exciting and, hopefully, rewarding.
