Lehdistötiedotteet - Consistancy, tactics and a fair share of luck

Consistancy, tactics and a fair share of luck

As the 12th season is coming to an end, it's the perfect moment to ask Indy Series standings runner up Jerko Vandenbergh to give his perspective on the ongoing season. A season, which has been outstanding for him, with the unexpected 2nd place in the Indy Series standings.

Q: After a disappointing season 11 (9th in Indy series), today the pieces of the puzzle all seem to fall in place. Have you found out why things seem to work now, as they failed last season?

A: I believe we just got the luck we lacked last season. We haven't really changed the way we handle things. Last season we got 6 DNF's out of 16 races. This season we managed to finish all races in the top 10. At the end of the line it just shows in the overall standings.

Q: No big changes in the way you handle things. How is that then? It's noticeable you manage to beat several better and more experienced drivers.

A: We thinks our race tactics have a lot to do with it. In pure speed, the quali's don't lie. Most of the time we end up between 5th en tenth place on the grid. I think - in terms of racing pace - that's were we belong. On racing day, we try to drive around with a fair share of safety in our driving style. That results in a season with consistent top 10 finishes. On top of that, in races with a lot of pit stops, our manager his splendid strategy results in wins and top 5 finishes (10/13 so far).

Q: It looks like second place is certain this season, maybe first place also. You cant' get much higher without competing in F1. Any plans?

A: First place will need a lot of luck in the last 3 races. Macanga is well ahead. But you never know! Mid season I got an offer from an F1 team. I declined because I strongly believe my racing pace needs to be better. An extra season in Indy Series will give chances to do that. I truly hope I will be able to drive F1 after that though. I thinks season 14 will be the ideal moment in my career to give F1 a chance. I just hope an F1 team will feel the same...

Q: Thanks for the interview!