While the Formula One title was decided at the Mexican Grand Prix with Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton confirming his win for the fifth time, Kiwi driver Brendon Hartley is still in a race to retain his Scuderia Toro Rosso team seat for 2019.
“My pace in the last few events has been really fantastic and I had a great points finish in Austin, followed by a strong turn of speed in Mexico, even if it didn’t deliver the result we might have deserved,” commented Hartley. “Therefore, I’m going into the last two races of the year in a really positive frame of mind. We will have the latest spec Honda engine on board and we know that it delivers much more performance.
“On top of that, the new aero kit adds some value and seems to suit my driving style. I enjoy going to Brazil. It’s an old-school track, with the fans making for a great atmosphere. It’s got interesting changes of elevation and camber and a bit of everything.
“I know the track well having raced there in WEC. Last year in F1, I unfortunately had to retire with a technical problem, so I’m definitely looking forward to this weekend. The weather can be a factor, producing interesting races at this track in the past, and this year we’ve seen our package goes well in tricky conditions. Whatever the weather, I believe we can be in good shape and we will be targeting some more points.”
With two Grand Prix left in the season, he still has a chance to prove himself ahead of Formula 2 driver Alexander Albon who is tipped to take his place. Hartley has been pleased with his pace in the last few events and remains positive heading to the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend. He has the latest spec Honda engine and is enthusiastic about the new aero package that he feels suits his driving style.
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo is an ‘old school’ circuit which first held the Brazilian Grand Prix in 1972. It is fast and flowing with a number of changes in elevation and track camber. Fans make for a great atmosphere, while weather can often play its part. Hartley has competed there in both the World Endurance Championship his third F1 Grand Prix.
While last year he retired with a technical problem, he hopes for a better result in 2018.
Comments