Oliver Bearman is thrilled to take the F1 wheel at Silverstone before officially joining the circuit next year.
One British driver might conceal another: this Friday in FP1 at Silverstone, Oliver Bearman will take his place in the Haas F1. He will conduct the third of his six free practice sessions scheduled this year, the first since his appointment was announced this morning (read here).
Racing at home in an F1 on the legendary and exhilarating Silverstone circuit is, of course, a dream about to become reality for Bearman, who finished 7th in the last Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
“Throughout this triple-header of races, the thing I’m most looking forward to is Silverstone,” he reveals to FOM.
“Getting there and seeing all the fans from Thursday, seeing a lot of support for the drivers already, is really nice. I’m very excited.”
“The circuit is a great advantage – I’d say it’s one of my favourite tracks because of its high-speed layout.”
“It’s really a circuit where you can use the aerodynamic downforce and grip of an F1.”
“Of course, there are also the fans and the fact that it’s a home circuit. The fans, especially in the fan zone, where I’ve been these past two years, have always been very supportive and it’s really nice.”
“During the races, the stands are completely full. On Sunday morning, even if you’re racing at 9 am, everyone is there to support you. This level of support is simply incredible to see.”
“I’m looking forward to the free practice. I really can’t wait to get back into an F1, especially on a track like Silverstone – you can really use the grip of a Formula 1, so it will be really impressive.”
“It will be physically demanding. It’s one of those circuits where you really dream of driving a Formula 1 because it’s really one of the best tracks in terms of sensations.”
Racing at home, even in free practice, does it allow one to shine more? Or does passion turn into pressure?
“I hope it will give me that little extra in terms of performance.”
“Of course, I’m always motivated and want to perform well, but just knowing that in the background, all these people are cheering you on, it’s a great feeling. It helps to shed any form of negativity.”
Not only is there an F2 weekend running in parallel, but Bearman won’t just be driving in F1 this weekend. He will indeed compete in both F2 races.
And he has his work cut out for him: the Prema driver is currently only 14th in the championship, far from his initial title aspirations. At least he won the last sprint race at the Red Bull Ring…
“My weekend is going to be very busy, on top of it being my home race. So, my weekend is going to be eventful. I have a busy weekend in F2, with the usual race weekend. Then, on the F1 side, things are going to be very busy as well.”
Bearman’s last appearance in FP1 was not so long ago: in Barcelona. For this outing at Silverstone, what will be the schedule, what will be the young driver’s goal?
“I have an idea of what it will be, but of course, I will need to try to get in tune with the car as quickly as possible. I am very happy to be back in the car and very excited about such an opportunity with Haas.”
A home Grand Prix as a principal driver next year
Bearman is thus appointed next year at Haas F1… he will therefore race his first full Grand Prix at home in exactly one year, at Silverstone. And the Brit already envisions it!
“A home race in Formula 1 is fantastic. I won’t have the chance to participate in a full race weekend this year, but I will get a glimpse of what it will look like in the future. It is of course a great motivation for me and one of my major goals will be fulfilled: being able to race on this circuit in a Formula 1 car.”
“I think it will be a lot of fun and that will be all that times ten. The fans, the support, everything that makes a race weekend happen at Silverstone.”
“It will be exponentially bigger, so I am really excited about that.”
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Bearman Excited to Race F1 at Silverstone Bearman Excited to Race F1 at Silverstone
