RN:
I was surprised that the most interest I get, even more than Australia, is probably in England, which is unusual. I think the good thing is a lot of my competitors and people I'm around, they don't take me as a rookie, which I am, because it's either they don't believe me or I'm driving at a stage where I don't show that I have no experience.
So the interest is quite... I'm really surprised it's coming from London, a little bit in Italy and Australia. It's nice if we can get more Australian supporters and to get them more involved in more support categories of F1 instead of just the majors, like V8 Supercar or the
F1.
Q:
What form is the interest taking? Are people actually getting through to you on the phone or through a website or is it media coming around knocking on your door for television interviews or magazine interviews? What kind of things are happening?
RN:
I'm getting a lot of e-mails and a lot of phone calls, and I actually meet most of the journalists that come to the testing. It would be interesting if any of you guys can come along to the race - you are welcome to - it would be nice to meet. My website is under development. I hope to get it started just after the Brazilian Grand Prix, so I hopefully I get it up and running in two to three weeks' time. At the moment, I'm using a temporary e-mail address until my web page is getting started.
Q:
You mentioned the very first test you did back in 2000, which seemed to kick you off. How did you get that with so little racing experience?
RN:
The Italian team was from the European F3000 Championship and had one supporter who was watching me and I think he was quite impressed with what I did. He said if I was that quick without experience, then perhaps, with some experience, I would be very, very competitive. He was actually hoping for me to drive for them this year in the European Championship, but he understands that I want to take another jump ahead of that and do the international series. So, basically, he invited me for a rookie test at the end of the year, so I could get some interest, and for the team to see more of what I can do in the F3000 car. That's how it came about.
Q:
What was the name of that team?
RN:
Ghinzani, it's an Italian team based just about 20 kilometres from Milan and they compete in the European F3000 Championship.
Q:
What was your very first competitive drive in a car on a circuit?
RN:
The first competitive drive in a car was in June 2001 in Salzburg, my first race.
Q:
You never actually competed in a race before that?
