F4 EUROCUP 1.6 - INTERVIEW

29/04 - Stoffel Vandoorne leads F4 Eurocup 1.6

Stoffel Vandoorne © DPPI

Having finished second in the very first race of the season, and chalking up the point for the fastest lap time, the RACB driver won the second race after starting on pole position; he now leads the competition in the run-up to the round on his home territory. Interview with the Belgian driver, who hopes to emulate his compatriot, Benjamin Bailly, last year’s winner.

Briefly, who are you and what has been your career up until F4 Eurocup 1.6?
I'm Belgian, I had my 18th birthday at the end of March and I’m in my last year studying for an electromechanical engineering diploma. I began competing in karting in 2008 in the KF2 class (Over-15s) in the French and Belgian championships; I won the Belgian one! In 2009 I moved up to the European Championship and World Series Karting, but my big move was to take part in the World Cup at Alcaniz, in which I finished second. In the same year I was picked by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium (RACB) and was one of the six drivers they sent to the Auto Sport Academy. After two days of various tests, I was named winner and received a grant from the RACB to study at Auto Sport Academy and participate in F4 Eurocup 1.6. Frankly, I didn’t think I could win it, but I really did want to see how I made out in a single-seater and it's a great opportunity that I couldn't pass up.

What did you think of the first round?
First of all I must say that I think it’s really great that F4 Eurocup 1.6 is part of the World Series by Renault. The media attention it gets as a result is a real plus. These meetings attract lots of spectators and it’s always much more exciting to race in front of full stands. Also, there's a chance to meet the Formula Renault 2.0 and 3.5 teams, which could be useful for later on… From a driving point of view, the weekend has turned out really well. I’d set myself the target of finishing in the first three, so I’ve certainly achieved that. Two winners' rostrums, one win, one pole position and one fastest lap mean I'll arrive in Belgium leading the championship – that’s a pretty inspiring mix!

What’s your aim for this weekend and for the rest of the season?
For this weekend - to maintain my lead. I’m aiming to be in the top three at each round; this season my goals are to gain as much experience as I can, learn the circuits to the best of my ability and, of course, to win the championship... but that’s something I’m sure my fellow drivers are striving for as well.

Sure, how do you see the 2010 line-up?
I think Norman Nato is my biggest rival but I also need to keep an eye on those “old hands” Franck Matelli and Paul Lanchere. I'm facing some stiff competition. Paul-Loup Chatin is also a tough competitor even though he wasn’t on form in Spain; that’s the case with lots of others. There are lots of fast drivers, which will mean the racing gets even closer; I’m looking forward to that because then victory will be even sweeter!

See his profile