Q & A: Asmer on his F3 return

He talked to AUTOSPORT about his comeback and his long absence.

Q. Could you explain a little bit about what happened after your GP2 campaign in 2008 and the circumstances that have prevented you from driving since then?

Marko Asmer: It was all to do with money. I had been very lucky to be with good [Formula 3] teams in 2005, 2006 and 2007. That was fine, but for 2009 although I still had a [Formula 1] testing contract with BMW, I did a few tests and the rest of the year was quiet. The end of 2008 was my last competitive race. I mean, I did some karting and things for fun, but when BMW pulled out everything stopped really.

All in all, it was not a surprise, but I thought I would be able find something, somewhere. You know, like in GT cars? But nothing worked out. 2009 was empty, and then when I could see nothing was coming up last year, I stopped and said "That's it." I always feel that I didn't stop because suddenly I didn't like it. It was just because of circumstances.

Q. What have you been occupying yourself doing recently?

MA: I have been testing some cars, doing karting and, since last year, doing some driver coaching. I have been to one race in the UK, and this year I have been working with [the Formula Renault 2.0 team] Koiranen Bros driver coaching all the races. It is a bit of help for their drivers, but actually they're all very good. I am happy as well.

Q. I understand that you did some Formula 3 tests at the start of the season...

MA: I drove at Silverstone, but it was a damp day and had been more than three years since I last drove an F3 car, back in 2007. Then I had another damp day with not many laps in Pembrey.

Q. How did you find returning to the cockpit after such an absence?

MA: It was difficult to get an idea of how competitive I was. If we had done a full day, in the dry, with new tyres, perhaps you would have a better idea. It was just to get some feeling back. It is going to be very hard coming here, but it is also a good challenge. It is actually not too bad. Considering the time I have been away, and so few laps over the years, it is not too bad.

Q. I remember you had a strong run in Macau before being pushed off down an escape road, do you particularly enjoy street circuits?

MA: That was in 2006 when I was leading and got pushed off. It was just a racing incident. I haven't been to Pau, though, it is my first time here. [Double R team boss Anthony] Boyo [Hieatt] and I came up with a plan that I still want to race. F3 on a street circuit is great, I really like it. Obviously it is trickier coming back on a street circuit rather than a normal circuit where there is run-off and you can try out things. We took this challenge and it is great. I am enjoying it, although it is bloody difficult.

Q. If this weekend goes well, what is the plan?

MA: There is no plan. We'll do this one and I want to do Macau. Maybe before Macau I could do some more days of testing to prepare myself and the car. Basically it is three years off and then off to Pau with an F3 car. It is thanks to Boyo that we could get this deal together.

Q. Is it still quite difficult sourcing a budget in Estonia? I see there are a few more drivers like Kevin Korjus and Sten Pentus coming through, although in probably different circumstances.

MA: Well, it is still the same country and the same for me. To find 5000 Euros is still a struggle. I am quite lucky to be driving here. The chances I had, maybe I used them well so I got another chance and then another. The problems I had - well, this is racing and that's life. If something good comes up, of course I would take it. I am still enjoying myself and still giving everything.

Q. How have things been going on track this weekend? You had a problem in Friday practice?

MA: I was on my on my in-lap and [Laurens] Vanthoor broke an engine. I was four second slower at that point and going 30 or 40 km/h slower into the corner and went straight on. There was no flag. It was not really my mistake, it was just racing. It was just an unfortunate situation.

Q. You mentioned you had looked at GT racing...

MA: No, no, I was looking at everything, also in America. Maybe we did something wrong, but unfortunately I couldn't find anything without bringing money. This is not my comeback or anything, it's just a pleasure to do it. I still want to do well, but there is no plan. It is great to be on a street circuit, but I have already done F3. Doing a full season of F3 again, I don't see it as a big interest for me.