29/07/2011
Simon, you’ve been working as Race Engineer for Nick since the beginning of the season – how’s it gone so far?
SR: Well, Malaysia was very good. We didn’t make it easy for Nick in that race, which was only Round 2 of the season: One lap in each of the qualifying sessions, so three in total, and he managed to qualify sixth. He made a hell of a start and just drove his own race from there. He was very consistent and looked after his tyres, which are key traits of his.
Have there been any other particularly memorable races?
SR: In Spain we couldn’t partake in qualifying because we’d had a fire in practice and the damage was extensive. Nick started at the back on prime tyres. To finish eighth was very, very impressive. He never followed another car for more than one lap, he was overtaking all the time. If he was within striking distance, he was straight past. He’s aggressive when he needs to be, but he’s still kind to the car and very clean with his manœuvres.”
Nick has a reputation for being easy on the tyres – how does this help?
SR: Compared to other cars and Vitaly we’re better on degradation and can squeeze an extra couple of laps out, which can be critical. If there’s a way to go which necessitates us going longer on the tyres, Nick tends to go that way because he feels he can do that.
Credit: Lotus Renault GP (www.lotusrenaultgp.com)
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