GP PREP - Exclusive Anthony Hamilton Interview

in F1 2010 INTERVIEWS by admin — March 27, 2010 at 12:29 pm | 3 comments

Anthony, great idea, talk us through it - The GP Prep Academy for Formula One Drivers was established in October 2009 with the aim to help aspiring racing drivers achieve their dream of success in motorsport and Formula One by providing opportunities to gain access to Formula One teams and to test current Formula One cars. We currently plan to run with two 2009 McLaren’s and two 2009 Force India cars (4 cars), plus we have an option on a further four cars from other teams. The initial intention is for the drivers to test and prepare themselves for an opportunity in Formula One. The Academy plans to run four 3 day test programmes in 2010 increasing to eight 3 day test programmes in 2011. All test programmes will be full Formula One test programmes in current cars 2009/2010 with fully qualified and current Formula One personnel from the teams who supply the cars. Currently, many junior drivers struggle to make the grade to Formula One through lack of budget, lack of opportunity, lack of access to Formula One teams - GP Prep will hopefully open up many more possibilities for racing drivers to be seen by Formula One and for Formula one to have access to many more talented drivers who otherwise would go unnoticed.

It was reported that McLaren are agreed to it, how has the response been from the other teams ? - The response from FOTA has been positive all round. Not every team has the capability to provide cars and personnel, but the idea has received FOTA support and approval.

What has the take up been like from young drivers ? - We have in the region of 80 drivers from formulae such as IRL, DTM, GP2, Formula 3, Formula 2, who have registered their interest.

When will the first sessions take place ? - It is hope that the first test session will take place in April or May, but this is dependent on technical development of the test cars and programmes.

How will you feel if one of your protégé’s through GP Prep ends up in F1 and beats Lewis ? - If a GP Prep protégé has worked hard for their career in Formula One and end’s up beating Lewis I will feel proud and happy for them. I know how hard Lewis worked for his place in Formula One so anyone who works as hard as Lewis and beats Lewis will deserve their place in Formula One.

Will the test sessions be confined to the UK or will they also run in other countries too to allow for winter testing when it is not possible in the UK ? - We hope to be able to run in the UK, but much depends on the weather. At the moment, we will need to virtually guarantee dry running because of the costs and so the plan is to initially run at Paul Ricard and Portimao in Portugal.

Have Bernie and Jean been supportive ? - GP Prep has received the backing and approval of Bernie Ecclestone and Formula One Management. We have written to Jean Todt and the FIA, but still await a response. We have the support of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA).

What tyres will be used ? will it be an F1 supply or GP2 tyres ? - We initially plan to use Bridgestone tyres, but hope to be able to progress to whatever tyre is approved for Formula One in 2011.

Given teams are keen to cut costs who’s responsibility will it be to fund repairs to cars in the event of damage to the cars ? the team or the driver who hired the car ? - The drivers will be responsible for the cost of repairs to damage etc either through insurance, or personal guarantee. We would hope that a carefully prepared development programme to include driver selection based on CV, age, experience and ability, simulator time, understanding, knowledge etc will reduce the likelihood of regular damage.