|
 |
|
 |
| June 21, 2012 News |
| EFCN One-on-One: Indy Lights Championship Leader Esteban Guerrieri |
 | Sam Schmidt Motorsports' Esteban Guerreri was the Indy Lights points leader after five rounds
(Photo: INDYCAR-LAT USA) |
Second-year standout Esteban Guerrieri has commenced his pursuit of a Firestone Indy Lights title in ideal fashion, leading the championship fight after the opening five rounds. The eFormulaCarNews.com editorial staff recently discussed his race-winning run in the Mazda Road to Indy series. [Editor: Interview conducted prior to the Milwaukee Mile event]
EFORMULACARNEWS.COM: Let's get things going by talking about your expectations entering the 2012 season. Being as this is your second season of Indy Lights competition, and you are once again paired with the defending Indy Lights champion Sam Schmidt Motorsports, what were your goals for the season as a whole, and the opening few races?
ESTEBAN GUERRIERI: The goal for this year is same one as the one I set last year, which is winning the championship. But to achieve that more consistent results is needed, as last year we were very competitive but couldn't put all that speed into consistent results, which didn't allow me to fight for the championship all the way to the end of the season.
EFCN: You've enjoyed a very good start to the season, standing on the podium in the opening four races, winning twice. How important was it to be challenging for top honors right from the get go?
GUERRIERI: It is was very important to start the season on the right foot. My deal was done late into pre-season testing, only one week before the first race in St Pete, so I focused was on trying to get as many solid points as possible in the early races. So far things are definitely going the right way. Will keep pushing to stay consistent.
EFCN: You've shown the ability to win a variety of courses this season, taking home top honors on both a street circuit (Long Beach) and an oval (Indianapolis Motor Speedway). How important is that?
 | Guerreri has visited the top step of the podium at both a street circuit, and oval this season
(Photo: INDYCAR-LAT USA) |
GUERRIERI: I think I had a very smooth adaptation to ovals. I feel comfortable driving on them, and I am glad to be able to take wins on every kind of course. I think its important to be as much of a complete driver as possible to get the attention of the IndyCar team owners.
EFCN: What do you think has been the key to your early season success (two wins)?
GUERRIERI: Having a solid team for sure. It also helps having one year with Sam Schmidt Motorsports already in the bag. I know the guys, my engineer, the setups of the car, plus I know the circuits. All of that adds up to having more experience, and that means a lot.
EFCN: Thus far, your biggest challenge for top honors has come from your rookie teammate Tristan Vautier. What's has that been like? Is it easier or more difficult battling a teammate for top honors session after session?
GUERRIERI: It is positive to have fast teammates who are able to push the limits higher. The important part is that team always works together, so there is a strong package when all four drivers put their feedback together. Its not only Tristan who's been quick, but also Oli and Victor. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to put very strong results together, yet.
EFCN: Looking ahead, what races are you most looking forward to, and which do you think will be the most challenging?
GUERRIERI: To be honest I look at it race by race, and go into each one with all my motivation. Small ovals like Milwaukee and Iowa are very challenging tracks, but also street courses are too. So to try be competitive in every event will be the biggest challenge.
EFCN: Finally looking at the big picture, what do you think will be the key to potentially winning the Indy Lights title.
GUERRIERI: Once again consistency is the key word to win the title. I would like to be in victory lane in the events where I couldn't win last year, and to repeat in the ones I did. That certainly would get me a lot of points...hahaha. But, I know thats too much to ask, so to maximize the best achievable result at every event is what we have to do.
EFCN: Thank you for taking the time to speak to us.
GUERRIERI: No thank you for talking to me. Hopefully we can do it again at the end of the season.
For additional EFCN One-on-One features, please visit HERE |
|
|
|
Go Top
|
|
|
|
|
