Mikhail Aleshin Q and A

Carlin racer Mikhail Aleshin enters the second half of the 2010 Formula Renault 3.5 series as championship leader. Speaking ahead of the Hungarian round this weekend, the Russian speaks about his season so far, and his recent F1 experience.

Mikhail Aleshin Credit: Carlin

Yes, the season has started well. Of course I was a little unlucky in some events and we struggled in Brno but I think generally I've been reaching my potential and the team's as well. I'm really pleased with the way the team is working this season, everyone is so focused on winning and that really helps as a driver.

It's always hard to tell at the start of the season how competitive everyone is going to be and how the season will go. Even after the first race weekend, you don't always see who the main competitors are going to be. Of course I knew I was capable of winning races, and in my mind I put myself in a position where only winning the championship was going to be good enough.

Yes, this championship is a great learning ground, I think those drivers showed just how good it is. It is possible to go straight to F1. That's why it's so important to me to do well in the series and show what I can do. As a prize for leading the FR3.5 championship, you had the chance to test the

It was a great experience. Its not many times that you get to drive an F1 car, let alone without paying for it! Although I didn't spend a very long time behind the wheel, it was a very important experience for me. I really enjoyed it.

For sure the more times you do something the more feeling you have for it, and the more you want to do it. The same can be said for sitting in an F1 car. It's definitely what I want to do, and this opportunity I had in Magny Cours was very important for me and my sponsors.

For me, every track is special and every weekend is special. I don't think I have any tracks that are much better than others. I just want to race, so every time I get to race one of these cars is a special occasion. I'd say maybe Hungary - where we visit next - isn't necessary one of the best circuits for me. It is very bumpy and dusty but I'll still enjoy racing there. Every track is different and requires a different driving style, a different set-up. That is part of the fun.

Yes for sure, I know everyone quite well and it's been a long time that we've know each other so everyone knows me as well. We have a really good relationship. I think it's very important if you want to reach the top level in a championship that you have a good relationship with the team and trust them. I feel a lot of positive emotion from the team and I can see that the guys want to win as much as I do.

Print This Page	Go back to the previous page