Racing all over the World:
Just how difficult is it to have success in the GP2 Series when it's identical Dallara chassis, Renault engines and
Bridgestone tyres for all competitors?
PJ:
I think a lot of people outside of GP2 don't understand how hard it is. It really, really is a difficult formula to crack. The competition is far greater than I have ever seen in other series and, because everybody has got basically the same equipment, it is quite hard to find that edge. From our point of view, a lot of that is understanding how the Bridgestone tyres work and getting the best out of them and that.
Racing all over the World:
How closely do you work with Bridgestone to extract the maximum performance from the tyres?
PJ:
Bridgestone can't give any more to one team than another, so we work as closely as all the other teams in terms of monitoring pressures, temperatures and wear rates on the tyres. The thing where the team works on its own is the understanding of the grip levels and how to manage the tyres best.
Racing all over the World:
What are the factors you give thought to when to change tyres in the pit-stop race?
PJ:
Obviously, if there are changeable weather conditions, that governs everything – but, in static track conditions, we like to run, if we can, around about a third distance before we change tyres. That is because it gives you the best spread of tyre wear.
Racing all over the World:
We have the GP2 Asia Series coming up next, using the same cars, engines and, of course, Bridgestone tyres. Are you looking forward to GP2 going to new markets and locations?
PJ:
Absolutely - I think it is fantastic. There is a real swell of interest from that region and I think the timing is just about right for us to go along and promote ourselves as GP2, to promote motorsport in general and I think there is going to be a couple of new grands prix coming along in the next few years there too. I think the whole thing will knit together really well.
Racing all over the World:
Next year there's a new car with the GP2 / 08, are you looking forward to the challenges it will present and do you think you can win again next year?
PJ:
We are looking forward to it very much. We have obviously had a little look at the car. It looks a really nice job and we can't wait to get our hands on it and get started. Whether we can win remains to be seen. For sure, that has got to be our target, but we know from this year how hard it is. There is always something waiting to trip you up. But we will be pushing as hard as we can.
Racing all over the World:
Testing took place last week in Spain. iSport topped the times, you must have been pleased with that?
![Paul Jackson - iSport International [pic credit: GP2 media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/217414.jpg)
