Autosportfoto

Simon Gachet tells all before the start of his season

Winner of the "EUROFORMULA VOLANT" 2011, Simon GACHET, will enter the AUTO SPORT ACADEMY to tackle the highly respected French F4 Championship which will run in the context of the GT Tour. This championship will comprise 14 races and, at the end of the year, the AUTO SPORT ACADEMY will award a global fund of 100,000 Euros minimum to the champion. The "EUROFORMULA VOLANT" 2011 has an important mission this year with the perspective of moving up to the next level and we asked him a few questions before the start of the season:

Simon, how did you prepare your season during the winter break and what  frame of mind are you in at the moment?

"I spent this winter driving a bit in the single seater to keep my hand in and maintain my skill. I have just started a more complete sports training programme in order to increase the muscle strength in my forearms and neck because the F4 is much more physical to drive than the Formula Renault. I feel ready physically and mentally before taking on this important season, I'm really keen to get started."

You took part in the V de V Championship before entering the AUTO SPORT ACADEMY this year, why did you make this choice ?

"The choice came naturally. My season in V de V gave me the confidence and the will to succeed. My great satisfaction was to win the "EUROFORMULA VOLANT". When I signed up I knew I was going to be up against several promising drivers so I didn't take any chances, I wanted this title. I've had the good fortune to be awarded the € 60,000 bursary which means I can keep going and take part in the French F4 Championship run by the AUTO SPORT ACADEMY. This new challenge is an opportunity to progress while supported by professionals, and measure myself against talented drivers. I expect a lot from this new experience which will help me move up a level next year."

What are your objectives for the 2012 season ?

"The 2012 season looks busy but exciting. I have my final exams in June (Baccalaureate) which I have to pass because that's what I promised my parents! I will apply myself to the full to the make sure that the French F4 Championship goes well and I will not pretend to you that I don't intend to be the champion. I'm keeping a cool head though because there are lots of good drivers who have the same objective as I have! I won't take any chances either on the physical or mental side of things. I have to make it so I can progress in the motorsports hierarchy. The pleasure of driving, the desire to win, the support of my family, friends and partners should push me to the top so I can continue this adventure which fills me with happiness. It's a dream which just keeps going and I have no intention of letting it stop."

Simon GACHET has the motivation required to complete a great season and as Laurent FRADON, the director of the EUROFORMULA School, says : "His was a well-deserved victory in the "EUROFORMULA VOLANT" and he didn't break under pressure, it's a sign. Simon is among the most promising students of the school, we believe in him and we will follow his performance closely through the year." 

The first race meeting of the French F4 Championship will be on April 28 and 29 on the LEDENON circuit.