New Ferrari Corse Clienti signing, James Calado, who will drive the No.71 AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia this year with Davide Rigon, today experienced his first WEC fan pitwalk and autograph session and, for the British driver, it was a very positive experience.
“I can remember at Bahrain last year in GP2, for our second race, only 6 people turned up. Here, at just a test session, there are thousands of people around the cars and it’s wholly different – I’m not used to it but it’s really a fantastic atmosphere. It’s nice to see people passionate about the cars and enjoying themselves; I’m loving every minute.
“Yesterday was my first time on track with the LMPs so obviously I was being careful to start with. It’s not hard to run at the same time but you need to use some common sense and intelligence; nine times from ten they will find a way past you but there is maybe one time you need to move out of the way a bit.
“It was my first time running at night so that was a new experience. When they come up behind you it was like a disco in the car because of the bright lights! You have no idea how fast they are approaching or what they are going to do, so I just took it nice and easy but still managed to be on the pace which is good. I just want to move on to racing now and am looking forward to Silverstone.”
Fiona Miller
Photo: CIRCUIT PAUL RICARD (LE CASTELLET, FRANCE), THE PROLOGUE, SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2014. The AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia was a popular attraction.
