Q:
You also raced for Renault from 1981 to 1983. They seemingly took a big step forward at the Spanish Grand Prix – how much further forward can they and
Fernando Alonso go this year do you think?
AP:
Again with
Renault, I would like to wait until the Turkish Grand Prix, because Alonso was on a three-stop strategy in Barcelona, and before he got to that stage he had the problem with his engine. I don’t know how much of their new competitiveness was due to that strategy, and how much the car was better. Don’t forget that we were in Barcelona and Alonso was very motivated, so we have to wait a little bit. I think they have made an improvement, but I personally don’t think the improvement is that big. I don’t think they will be fighting for a winning position in the next few races.
Q:
Are there any drivers or teams that have surprised or disappointed you so far this season?
AP:
Not really. I think what we see is what we expected back at the beginning of the year. Even if they have changed the regulations, with less driver aids, it doesn’t change very much. We are seeing many more small mistakes, depending on the tracks, but we haven’t seen a race in the wet yet. That will be very interesting – especially the first one – but overall we have fewer and fewer surprises in
Formula 1.
Q:
Obviously one of the biggest talking points this year so far has been the scandal surrounding
Max Mosley. Some people have been saying he should resign; others have been coming out in support of him – what’s your view on the subject?
AP:
My view is very simple. On the one side you have a private affair, as everybody says, and I don’t want to interfere too much in that. Secondly, I’m not inside Formula 1 – I’m not in the position of one of the big constructors – and it’s these kind of people who must decide if it’s a problem for the future of the sport or not. That’s not up to people like me – you cannot judge from outside.
Q:
And finally, you’re back at
Brands Hatch for the A1GP season finale. You’ve raced here and won here before – does it bring back happy memories for you?
AP:
It’s a good memory, because in 1985 I became champion for the first time here and in ’86 they held the last race at Brands. It’s quite a complicated circuit, and it’s nice to be back here and to see the crowd. There are a lot of people here – in England they love motor racing, and I would like to have this same thing in France.
