“While the numbers are within shouting distance, you get that much more out of the
F1 tub because you are able to use the power more effectively. The weight of the GP2 car is also greater, so transient manoeuvres like chicane work are better with the F1 chassis.”
As to his startling career – which has seen him rise up the ranks from his fledgling steps in karting through Formula
BMW, A1GP and the prestigious F3 Euroseries where, like in the GP2 Asia Series campaign, he again finished as overall runner-up to Romain Grosjean – Buemi said he had many reasons to thank
Red Bull, especially coming from a nation that does not boast a particularly noteworthy motorsport heritage.
“Racing is not very big there,” he confirmed. “Most of my younger days in karting were done in Switzerland, but there isn't much of a racing programme in Switzerland, so as I got more competitive I had to go abroad to find meets to participate in.
“It wasn't easy. I've been active in karts since the age of four, but it was more like a hobby then. My parents used it as measure to focus me when my schoolwork wasn't so good. Then at around age ten, I got competitive and had to compete in Italy to sharpen my skills, and then came the European championship.
“Academics have always been important to me, so it has always been a struggle to achieve balance. Between that and being a competitive racing driver was not easy. I have to thank Red Bull Racing for having been there when I needed them.”
![Sebastien Buemi - Trust Team Arden [pic credit: GP2 Series]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/416422.jpg)
