SS:
I think the fact you are doing an hour-long race, with all the tyre degradation and strategies involved in that, and you are not always having to just go flat-out all the time. That took a bit of getting used to. You are also up against drivers of the calibre of Bernd Schneider and Tom Kristensen, who are so completely on top of their game that you have to get everything perfect just to get on the same lap as them.
Q:
As you say, the DTM boasts some top names like Schneider, Kristensen and Mika Hakkinen. Did the other Mercedes drivers teach you much or was it more a case of everyone out for themselves?
SS:
I have to say I was welcomed into Mercedes-Benz with open arms. It really is like a big family there. Bernd and Mika were both very supportive, and Bruno Spengler as well. Everyone works together to make sure as many Mercedes drivers are as far up the grid as possible.
Q:
How did it feel to race in front of your home crowd at Brands Hatch?
SS:
It was brilliant. It was a little sad that I wasn’t further up the grid and so wasn’t able to produce a better result, but it was so nice to see all the Scottish flags waving and so many familiar faces. It turned out to be a great race and I think it will be another great race this year.
Q:
You were one of only two female drivers in the field last year. Was there any particular rivalry between yourself and Vanina Ickx?
SS:
There was no rivalry. I was in no great battle with Vanina. For me she was just another driver out there, and it didn’t matter that she was a girl too. I was just aiming to do the best job I could.
Q:
Turning your attentions to the season in hand then, what do you think you can achieve this year?
SS:
That will all depend on the car that I’m given and which team I’m in. Obviously that’s up to Mercedes, but I will be giving everything I can for sure. I want to get some points this year.
