Q & A with Toni Vilander
Q: You have unexpectedly become a GP2 driver this weekend - how does it feel to be here like this?
Toni Vilander: It feels really good, although it was quite unusual. But my profession is driver, so I really don't get the emotions going on, and I'm just thinking already about how to get through tomorrow (Friday) nicely and do a good job. I've had really no time to reflect on the call, but I am always ready for a challenge, and this is certainly a new experience. There was some work done in the pre-season to try and get me a seat in GP2, but unfortunately it was not possible - now I want to really thank Coloni Motorsport for this opportunity, and I will try and do a decent job under the circumstances - there are lots of new things to learn.
Q: What are your hopes for the weekend?
Vilander: For results, or for timewise, I really don't have a clear idea, but obviously a driver wants to be on the pace immediately. But there are lots of new things for me, like the gear change and left foot braking and all of that stuff. And of course the other guys have had all the pre-season tests and this season's racings already, so they have lots of experience, while for me everything is completely new. I'm always realistic - I will push as hard as I can, and try to do the best that I can do, but as I told you I can't say results or positions because it's too hard to say - the level in this championship is really high, and I'm just hoping to do a good job.
Q: Have you driven at Monza before?
Vilander: Yeah, I've driven here in Formula Renault, and in Formula Three last year with Coloni in the Lola Dome car, and this is more powerful - we'll see how my driving suits that, but I have no problems with the track.
Q: You are very good friends with Kimi Raikkonen - have you told him about the drive yet?
Vilander: I stayed at his place this morning, and I told him that there might be a chance of a drive in GP2, and obviously he was happy about that, but I haven't phoned him yet - I'll do it now!
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