Pedro de la Rosa Q&A

"This is my first time in the car and so am not up to 100 per cent yet. Overall, it seems to be quick. I think there is a lot of work to do with the tyres as well as the chassis. I'm still learning the car, so it is difficult to say more."



"Yes, definitely. I also have a lot to learn with the Michelin tyres. I am used to Bridgestone and the Michelins are different to what I had expected. Because of the weather in Silverstone, I was able to run on all three types of tyre - grooved,
intermediates and wets - which is good for me as I was able to learn more about both the tyres and the car in different conditions."



"Every car is different and the conditions of the circuit are always different. It is very difficult to compare them. I think every car basically has its own strong points and the Jaguar is no different.



"The Michelin tyres are more understeery than the Bridgestones, They make the front end very lazy, which is not really you need to make the car go quicker. The slower you are going into a corner, the slower your lap time, so it is a major factor that Michelin have to improve. They are working very hard and we are actually trying different compounds and different constructions, to improve that area. The Bridgestones definitely have better turn in."



"It is always good to do as many kilometres as you can. If you are testing and racing at the same time, then it is a different story. But for me it is important to be in the car as much as I can, to be aware of what is going on and to be on top of all the changes and developments done to the car, so that I progress within the team."



"With this being my first test, we have not yet been able to test together. I obviously like a different car to them, especially at the front and we are working on that but at the end of the day, they are minor changes, and you just have to make the car to suit your style. We will probably be able to compare more at the next test in Barcelona [after Malaysia]."



"I think my signing with the team should be seen as a step forward. Having an experienced test driver can only increase the potential of the team."



"From my point of view, no! I like to drive fast cars with a lot of grip in the corners. With all the electronic systems coming, it is going to make the driving easier. It is up to FIA to apply other solutions for safety.



"Yes I watched it on TV, which was not very good. It is not something that you are not going to enjoy. I felt very bad because everybody else was there and I was missing it. Basically it felt shit! I normally watch the previous year's race before a Grand Prix, but this was different. Other drivers prefer to play video games to, but I'd rather watch - just to see the track and to remind me so that when I go there I have a refreshed memory of it. It gives me a fresh idea of what I am going to find."



"I must say it has been the most difficult months of my career. Mentally, I was not prepared to miss the race in Australia. All my training, my testing and my preparations since November had been focused for racing, then suddenly one month before the season starts, I had no seat! First of all, I had to digest the situation and accept it. Then I had to react. I think, at the end of the day, moving to Jaguar was the best solution. I would rather be where I am now, than racing with Arrows."



"The main thing that I discovered is that I have to look after myself. I already knew that was a big part of Formula 1. I think you can learn from situations like this and things happen for a reason, but it is important not to worry about it and keep going."



"You have to work in two areas. Firstly, you have to make the car suit the tyres in order to keep the balance. The second thing is the tyres themselves. You have to always keep in mind that there are two areas you have to work on. You can't only work on tyres, or only on the chassis. You have to do both together because they both have to work. The tyres have to move and the chassis has to let the tyres move, it is just that Michelin has a lot of work to do. But I must say I have no doubt that they will come up to the speed during the season. I have a lot of faith in the company."



"There is nothing that I want to do and nothing I can do. Once you are in Formula 1, you want to stay there. Besides, I am going to be testing every week with Jaguar so it is a 100 per cent job."