Interview with FC Sevilla’s Sébastien Bourdais: “The best alternative to F1” 02.09.2009: What motivated you to come and race in Superleague Formula? “For a driver, Superleague Formula is the best alternative to F1. Today, it’s the only other championship in Europe to offer a driver the possibility of racing single seaters at a high, profe

What motivated you to come and race in Superleague Formula?

“For a driver, Superleague Formula is the best alternative to F1. Today, it’s the only other championship in Europe to offer a driver the possibility of racing single seaters at a high, professional level. I am also a firm believer in the concept of merging motorsport and football.

 It’s a partnership that offers enormous potential and should have a good future. Once the championship is established and more widely known, I am sure that Superleague Formula will be very strong.”




What were your first impressions at the wheel of Superleague Formula’s Elan chassis, V12-powered single seater?
 
“The test at Magny-Cours made me realise just how fun the car is to drive. An F1 car is faster because it’s lighter. But the Elan V12 happens to be a very competitive car, benefiting from a lot of aerodynamic downforce and a very potent engine, drivable and powerful across the rev range, and offering a large scope of usage. It’s a consistent single seater that’s a pleasure to drive.”


What’s the target for your debut in Estoril?

“My desire is evidently to be competitive straight away at Estoril. Now, I only did a few laps in the car and the team is quite new to the championship. To win as soon as my first race will not be easy for sure. I also want to have fun, which hasn’t often been the case for me during this last year.”


How do you approach the race and qualifying formats which are specific to Superleague Formula?

“I will discover a qualifying system which is different to what I’ve been used to as it requires a very tactical approach. As far as the three races go, the totally reversed grid for the second reminds me of Formula Campus.

This creates a lot of overtaking opportunities which improves the overall show on track, especially if the objective is to secure a place in the Super Final. To some degree though, Superleague Formula reminds me of racing in Champ Car.”


Are you a football fan?

“Without being an aficionado of football, I do often attend Le Mans fixtures – my home-town – as well as supporting the French national side during the important international tournaments.”



Sébastien Bourdais Profile
Born in Le Mans, 27 February 1979
Married to Claire, one daughter (Emma)

1997: French Formula Renault runner-up
1999: French F3 Champion
2002: F3000 International champion. F1 tests with Arrows and Renault. DTM tests with Opel. 1st at the Spa 24 Hours.

2003: Best rookie in Champ Car
2004/2005/2006/2007: 4 Champ Car titles. 1 win in IROC (2005). 1st in GT2 at the 12 Hours of Sebring (2006).
2008: F1 Toro Rosso (4 points) 2009: F1 Toro Rosso (2 points). 2nd at the Le Mans 24 Hours and 12 Hours of Sebring.

 
 
-Albert Roch-  photo Superleague Formula