Monza: Series interview with Sam Bird

Sam Bird: "Who wins Auto GP can win anywhere else"

In Monza Auto GP has a special guest: Sam Bird, GP2 driver with ART Grand Prix and winner of the Feature Race just some weeks ago on the italian circuit, came back to the "Autodromo Nazionale" to be an advisor for Duncan Tappy: the two brits are good friends and they have the same management, so it was a pretty natural choice.

"Duncan is one of my best friends so I'm happy to help. I don't think he really needs any advice, but as he's fighting for the championship, 10 points adrift from the leader, he needs some support, just a little push. I'm here for that and to answers all his questions, if he has some".

What do you think about yesterday's sessions?

"Third place yesterday was good, but the track conditions were so changeable that you really can't judge on that. Today in qualifying, finally with a dry track, we will understand something more".

Duncan is 10 points far from Grosjean and 9 from Piscopo, what do you think is the key for the title run?

"I think that ignoring them is the best thing he can do, just focusing on his weekend and trying to win the races. What the others will do doesn't depend from Duncan, he just has to put pressure on them".

All the three main title contenders are racing with DAMS: what does this means for a driver?

"Well for the drivers it's surely good, because they are sure they will be given the same chances. For the team it must be very difficult because all three drivers will push them to give their best, they will have a lot of pressure".

It's your first weekend in the Auto GP paddock, what's your impression?

"It looks very good, everything is top notch, also the facilities and the food! Apart from this, the staggering thing is the grid quality: I see here guys that race against me in GP2, like Filippi and Valsecchi, former F.1 drivers like Grosjean and Pantano, and other talented guys. If you are competitive here you are showing the world that you are very talented. Who wins Auto GP can win anywere else, you can be sure about that".

And the car?

"I used to dream about this car when it raced in A1 GP and now it's even quicker! Now I'm in GP2 and I'm fine, but for drivers that want to race on a powerful car with a reasonable budget, this is the best option around. Furthermore, the atmosphere is very friendly, and it's good to race where you feel at home".

-source: autogp