Georgis’ thoughts after Vallelunga

Although the three Italian Formula 4 Powered by Abarth races that took place at Autodromo Vallelunga did not have the desired outcome, the 16-year-old took valuable lessons. Therefore, his views about certain matters regarding this 3-races-a-day round, are of interest.

What are the feelings after this racing weekend?
After two unsatisfactory qualifying heats, I gave many battles during the three races, trying to gain positions. Although there were incidents and we didn’t achieve the desires results, the speed was there. I hope that at the next race, at Imola, this speed will be seen in the results as well.

This time all 3 races took place during the same day. Did that matter to you?
The new format changed everything. The main challenge was the lack of time to fix the car after an accident or a reliability issue. Moreover, counting also Friday’s official test day, it was a demanding weekend – both for the body and mind.

How crucial is qualifying?
It plays a catalytic role in the development of the races, as securing a good starting position can help a driver line up further ahead. Which is important given the fact that there are a lot of battles and accidents.

 

What caused your accident during qualifying?
My accident just before the end of free practice 2, was down to the high temperature of the track’s surface (55o) which led to lots of understeer. While trying to push to the car’s limit and improve my time, I got one wheel outside the black stuff. It was enough for the car to turn around and end up at the wall of the last corner.

How different is it to fight for position with a teammate?
This is a sport of individuals, so friendship with another driver means nothing when you are out on track. He is an opponent like any other. But surely, it is preferable that there is co-operation and mutual understanding in order to avoid contacts and retirements due to internal battles that have gone too far.

Was the extreme heat a factor? Were you tired towards the end of the races?
For sure, high temperatures made things more difficult physically – especially at race two and during the red flag at race three. But that did not affect my driving. It was the same for everybody and it really hit me after the end of the day’s action.

 

Are these constant breaks in action due to incidents a problem?
It is something that happens a lot during the F4 races. They can help a driver but also ruin his race. This time, due to the fact that I started the races from the back of the grid, the safety car periods did not help my effort to gain as many places possible. It only helped me during the last race, when in red flag conditions the team had the time to fix some of the damage on my car, in order to make it to the restart.

Next up for Georgis, is the fourth round of the Italian Formula 4 Championship powered by Abarth, at Imola during July 23-25.