AutoGP “pefectly balanced” series say drivers

Federico Leo

He was one of the Imola's event new entries, but despite this Federico Leo managed to clinch some valuable points. The Italian driver did found the feeling with the Auto GP Lola very quickly indeed, and despite having to face some unprevented odds was able to finish fifth in Race 2, just 1 second adrift from podium. For this reason, Federico is now searching the needed support to be on the Auto GP grid until the end of the season with Trident Racing.

So Federico, how do you feel after your first Auto GP experience?
"First of all I have to say that I enjoyed it a lot, and I definitely loved the car. If you take a look at the single-seater you can drive in these days, starting from F3, the chassis and aerodynamics are always oversized in respect to the engine power. The result is that they are maybe quick, but not much fun to drive. Auto GP, instead, is perfectly balanced and with 550 bhp is very demanding but at the same time very entertaining.

Managing to control oversteer with precision with the throttle is a thrilling experience for every driver and in the Auto GP car you can do that all the time. Comparing it with the Ws by Renault I usually drive that is the biggest difference, you can clearly feel there is much more power. Also the brakes are great, I didn't expect that performance from steel rotors".

Looking at your results in Imola are you satisfied?
"I think it was a good weekend, doing better in the debut race would have been really difficult. I immediately found a good feeling with the car, but I did a bad mistake in the third Practice and that cost me a lot because I had to lose two full sessions to let the Trident guys repair the car. This was a huge disadvantage because I went in qualifying with a really low mileage. Anyway, things got better and better in the races. In Race 1, despite starting from the last row, I climbed easily to 8th place and my strategy was staying there to start from pole in the Sunday race. Anyway, I had a problem at the pit-stop and Miguez managed to pass. Also in the second race I had the pace to stay in front, I was very close to Tambay for the whole race but in Imola overtaking is really difficult and risky, so I had to stay behind".

What do you expect from the season?
"First of all I hope I will have the chance to be on the grid also in the next races. I'd like to be there because I think it's a very good championship, I liked it a lot and I'm working to secure the needed financial support. I'd like to keep racing with Trident, they are a proven GP2 team and I'm sure that we could clinch very good results together".

Looking at the calendar what are your preferred races?
"Well, Spa must be incredibile with such a powerful car, so that's the one I'm looking forward to. But also Monza will be very special, the home race brings always good feelings".