Santino Ferrucci: F1 is my only focus for the future
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| Written by: Fanni Váradi | Photos: GP3 Media |
Two rounds and midseason tests have already passed of the 2017 GP3 season. We had the chance to chat with Santino Ferrucci DAMS’ GP3 and HAAS Formula One Team’s development driver. The young American told us about the first round in Barcelona, his goals, the new DRS system and his role in the Formula 1 team.
Santino got the chance in 2014 by Euro Internation-Mercedes to compete in Formula 3 for the second half of the season. He stayed in the series with Mücke Motorsport next year and had a second place in Spa-Francorchamps as his best result. In 2016 he arrived to GP3 and continued his career at DAMS, where he is now. He scored his first GP3 podium in Spa with a P3 and stayed with DAMS for this season.
During the first race weekend in Barcelona Santino scored an 8th and a 9th place. The young driver seemed to be unsatisfied with his result “Barcelona was very disappointing for all of us and we have put it behind us” said Santino.
After the first round in Barcelona the teams were heading to Hungary to have their midseason test. DAMS were very quick both days and improved from last year, where they were struggling “We made progress as Hungaroring was our worst track last year. Being in the top 5 for the two days felt good. I am always improving and learning each race”
HAAS Formula One Team offered a place in the team for Santino last year. His role is currently limited as the main focus is on GP3. Ferrucci has high chances of driving the HAAS F1car during the midseason F1 test in July, but his goal is to become a driver in the top series one day. Even if he is one step closer to his dream with the help from Haas, he has to work hard to achieve it. “I will be in the car for a few days but I can’t yet say where” said about HAAS. “I train at Formula Medicine during the year and in the short off season. I am focused on getting podiums and one race at a time. For the future F1 is my only focus.”
The newest thing this year in GP3 is the DRS system which is available for the drivers limited times during the races. Most of the drivers like it, so does Santino. “It is pretty cool to have because at some tracks it will help with passing. But I think softer tires and more power would be better!” said the young talent in the end of the interview.