After a long break following the Barcelona accident that broke his arm,
Red Bull Junior Patrick Friesacher will return to the cockpit at the Nürburgring this weekend, where he will be reunited with team-mate Vitantonio Liuzzi and a more traditional blue-hued Lola.
Both drivers enjoyed the luxury of a shakedown test at Magione in Italy this week, where they took time out to answer questions about the season so far, and what their expectations are for the coming weekend.
Q:
Patrick, you're coming back to the F3000 championship after six weeks away. How did you manage to get through this time while your colleagues had two races?
Patrick Friesacher:
It was difficult to watch the races - especially at my home race in Austria. And I also felt uncomfortable not being able to start in my favourite race in Monaco. But that's over now, I'm back - fully concentrated and fully motivated - for the rest of the season, starting with the Nürburgring.
Q:
Your car is now blue again, just like in 2002. Will there also be a new Patrick sitting in it?
PF:
[
laughs] The others have to be careful - we not only have a new car, but also a new driver!
Q:
How fit are you?
PF:
I'm getting fitter every day - it's been almost two months now since the accident, so everything should be fine now.
Q:
What are your expectations for the Nürburgring - and for the rest of the championship?
PF:
I'm taking it a race at a time and will give 150 per cent now, especially after the break. Moreover, I'll do everything to help my team - and I can best do that by bringing good results.
Q:
'Tonio, you know the Nürburgring very well from your time in the Formula Renault and Formula Three championships. You finished second here in your first Formula Renault race after your kart career. How high are your expectations this weekend?
