Marc Gene Q&A

"Yes, because it was really high speed. We were unlucky because the car bottomed, and there's nothing you can do when it bottoms very hard on a high speed corner. But then again it also shows me that those cars are so strong. The tub was not damaged at all, and I continued testing the day after. The team was really worried if I was going to be OK, but there was no problem at all because of the modifications of the headrest and all those things. The FIA is really working in the right direction in that respect."



"Yes, but it was more strange feeling last year, because it was new to me. This year is my second year - unfortunately in a way! - as a test driver. So I'm used to being in the paddock and not having to race tomorrow. But even though I'm getting used to it doesn't mean that I don't miss it."



"It makes it more difficult because I know this track so well. I've done a lot of testing here, my lap times are very good, and I know I could do a very good job. That makes it more difficult. On the other hand I'm at home, I can eat Spanish food which I like very much, I sleep at home - and my bed is very nice! Probably the good sides are stronger than the bad sides."



"Usually I go to the grands prix to inform the drivers on what I test, and also to listen, so that I can do my testing in a better way. Usually I never stay on Sunday. I'm a reserve driver and on Saturday after qualifying I know I'm not going to race. Then I usually go to the circuit where I'm going to test, because it normally starts on Tuesday."



"Obviously initially it's budget, and budget implies that from 100 people there are 700 employees at Williams and BMW, and from not doing any testing at Minardi you do so much testing at Williams. On the car itself the biggest difference is the engine. You're talking about 100bhp, and that's a big difference."



"Yes, now I know what a good car is like, and I know what a good team is like. With all my respect for Minardi, because they really do an incredible job with the budget they have, but it's so difficult to beat the top teams, because they have so much of everything."



"Yes, but it's so far from when you are driving yourself. Obviously you are happy because if Ralf Schumacher or Juan Pablo Montoya wins, the whole team wins. But when you are a driver you really feel that the success is your success, which is wrong, because it's the team's success. Now you realise that when they win, a little part of you wins - but I don't feel as excited as I used to be!"



"I think it's realistic. That doesn't mean it's not easy, because the drivers' market is extremely tight at the moment, especially to go to a good team. But there are not many drivers with my experience, who understand how a top team and a top car works. So I believe I have some chances, and let's say I'm quite optimistic."