by Russell Atkins
After taking on the might of Van Diemen in Formula Ford and coming off best, French chassis manufacturer Mygale has a new challenge on its hands in 2007 – that of arresting Dallara’s long-established dominance in F3.
The Magny-Cours based marque’s managing director, Bertrand Decoster, acknowledges the size of the task ahead of him as Mygale joins forces with the newly-formed Ultimate Motorsport squad, but he is adamant nothing is impossible. Here he tells us what he hopes to achieve during the company’s maiden campaign in the category…
Q:
Bertrand, the launch of Ultimate Motorsport’s British F3 challenge must have been a very proud moment for you?
Bertrand Decoster:
For sure, yes. It’s a very important moment.
Q:
How excited are you about the season ahead?
BD:
We are very excited and proud. We know it will be tough because it’s a very big challenge, but it’s a great opportunity for us. The combination of everything is working well – driver, engine, resources – so I’m feeling confident.
Q:
Mygale has a lot of experience in Formula Ford specifically, and also in Formula
BMW. How much of a step-up is F3 from what you have been used to before?
BD:
It’s another world for us. I thought it would be easier than it has been. I would say the biggest difficulty is always the same – finding somebody like Barry who can trust you and who can give you your chance. On the technical side it’s another step, especially aerodynamically. It’s a key point and that’s where we have to make the benchmark. We believe we can.
Q:
What’s the atmosphere inside the team like approaching the start of the season?
BD:
The atmosphere is very good. I think everybody understands the challenge, which is the most important thing. For sure everybody wants to win, but we are all realistic enough to know it’s tough and before thinking about winning we have to think about making the best of everything we have. Everybody has the same target, so there’s no conflict.
Q:
Dallara has a long history of success in F3. Several other chassis manufacturers have tried and failed to beat it; what makes you believe Mygale can actually take on Dallara and win?
