Most Popular Sports
All Sports
Show All

Senna relishing Renault

Eurosport
ByEurosport

Updated 06/10/2011 at 10:05 GMT

Bruno Senna is overjoyed with life at Renault following his return to Formula One and optimistic he can gain the trust of the team and a place at the Enstone squad for next season.

Bruno Senna, Renault

Image credit: Reuters

You have done well on your return to Formula One. Renault boss Eric Boullier has backed you to deliver even more to the team as you “start to put the puzzle together”… in what areas do you expect to improve?
Every area. There is great scope for improvement in my knowledge of the car and my driving, as I am not yet at 100 per cent in qualifying and the race. But we have made a good step already in Singapore, putting together a good car with potential. We are slowly getting there and that will show at Suzuka [this weekend].
Renault want an answer on Robert Kubica’s fitness by the end of October. If he is not able to return, do you expect to be named in the team for next year?
I hope so, by doing a good job and gaining the team's trust. What we have managed so far is a great achievement after jumping in the car without any testing. And there is always competition with your team-mate.
Is taking Vitaly Petrov’s seat a possibility then?
We haven't gone over it as a team. The situation demands that we focus on the job and I prefer not to think about this until we have to. If I start thinking that maybe I won't have a seat next season, you can wonder what is the point of giving everything - but the point is that you have to do a good job right now.
Is it liberating to drive a more competitive car after the HRT? In what ways is it better?
It is a great feeling. The car inspires more confidence in me and to work with the engineers to drive the car forward helps me grow as a driver.
How does the operation of the two teams differ – in terms of personnel, facilities, resources?
They are completely different. It is a different world at Renault. HRT are like a GP2 team - there is limited choice as to how to improve the car and it is not developed throughout the year; Renault are a proper team with a lot of personnel and everyone working towards the car. The motivation of the team is amazing, and you feel more a part of it - it is a very satisfying and demanding environment, and the best situation for me. You can see the models for car parts the guys are working on and how these work in the wind tunnel. You can't believe it; it gives you more motivation to get involved, thinking about how to improve on the previous race.
Is Formula One something very important to your family?
Very important, but my family cares mostly about my happiness. This year I didn't know whether I had a seat. It was very difficult. But I want to race against the best drivers in the world and they are in F1. If I can't do that, I will compete somewhere else.
How did they find the film about your uncle Ayrton, 'Senna'?
Awesome, honestly. There are few movies about sport that touch people who don't care about it, but I have many friends that don't care about motor racing who found it amazingly moving. It makes them realise that sportsmen can become something more than the sport. And the film was successful in places that you would not expect, such as the States. It made me very proud.
Did you find one moment or facet of the film particularly moving?
The relationship between Ayrton and my grandparents. I was too young to appreciate it at the time but it touched me deeply in the cinema; I was able to understand so much more.
What do you remember of Ayrton?
Lots of good times. Racing with jet skis and go-karting together... just taking part in sports. He was a very kind and caring person and he enjoyed spending time with me and my sisters.
Does your family or anyone else say you share any traits with Ayrton? In terms of racing or personality?
The whole family is very close and we all have similar personalities and ways of thinking - we do a lot together. Every one of us is a perfectionist and likes things done right; and perhaps we are all naive also!
‘Senna’, the documentary which tells the story of Formula One legend Ayrton Senna’s monumental life and tragic death, is out on DVD  from the 10th October. It set a UK box office record for a documentary on its opening weekend.
Join 3M+ users on app
Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports
Download
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement