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Friday, 12th October 2007

Paul Jackson speaks exclusively to Bridgestone for its latest Racing all over the World GP2 podcast.

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PJ:
Yes, we were very pleased. We ran four different drivers during those two days and all of them did a good job and they were all up in the top five or six. It was quite satisfying and most of the comments we got were quite complimentary about the car. It is nice to see that other drivers can get in the car and go quickly.

Racing all over the World:
What was the main focus during the test?

PJ:
Mostly driver evaluation, to be honest. We didn't do much in the way of development work because we are at the end of that three-year period and there isn't an awful lot left to do. But it is interesting to get other drivers' comments and see how that compares to the regular drivers from this year. It was quite encouraging.

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Racing all over the World:
Can you tell us what your driver line-up will be in 2008?

PJ:
I have no idea yet [laughs]. It is early days. We have just had our first test to look at new drivers' and we have got some further tests coming up at the end of the month in Paul Ricard, where we have got some more drivers to look at. Things will be on hold a little bit until we have gone through that process.

Racing all over the World:
Will you wait until December then to decide?

PJ:
I don't know, to be honest. I'd like to try and get some decisions made before that – as soon as possible after the Paul Ricard test. It would be nice if we can get some things in place during November.

Racing all over the World:
What do you think the future holds now for Timo?

PJ:
Timo should, in my opinion, definitely be in Formula 1 next year. I hope that there is one smart team owner out there who is going to turn around and say: ‘yes, that is the guy for us'. He will be an asset to a Formula 1 team and I think he will be in the same league as [Nico] Rosberg and [Lewis] Hamilton. If he can get himself in a decent seat, he will be very competitive.

Racing all over the World:
Is he ready to race in Formula 1 or would he benefit from a year testing?

PJ:
I think he is ready to race. He has obviously enjoyed his time testing for BMW, but he desperately wants to race and that is why I think he has been talking to some other teams because, obviously, BMW's driver line-up is set for next year. He is talking to other people and seeing if there are some options open to him. If there isn't, then he will obviously carry on with BMW and test for them next year. But he is a racer at heart and loves nothing more than getting out there and mixing it.

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