McLaren interview with de la Rosa

McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa answers questions on working with the team

Q: You've been at Team McLaren Mercedes for just over five months now; what are your thoughts on the team?

PdlR: "The team is the most professional one I've ever been involved with in F1.Everyone is extremely professional and the attention to detail is very impressive. All the team has made me feel at home since the very first day. I'm enjoying my time in the team, we're working well together and making continuous progress."

Q: Are you happy with your role as test driver having previously had race seats at Jaguar and Arrows?

PdlR: "Of course, my main aim is being a race driver again. That is what I've been working for all my life. But if I don't find a race seat in F1, the second best solution is to test for a top team and the Team McLaren Mercedes test team is extremely strong. I'm continuously learning and progressing as a race driver there and I would be 100% ready if the opportunity comes along."

Q: The teams do a lot of testing in Barcelona -- that's a pretty easy commute for you!

PdlR: "Yes, I only live 20 minutes away from the Circuit de Catalunya which is very convenient. There is also a lot of testing going in Valencia and Jerez which are also in Spain so I hardly have to leave my country, which is good."

Q: What did you do during the three week break earlier this summer?

PdlR: "I was in Majorca, with my family, my wife Maria and my daughter Georgina. It was really relaxing, training and having my first proper summer break since I started racing. Since I was 18, I've never had a one-month break during the Summer and it feels fantastic!!! It seems a long time ago now though with everyone thinking about the last two races of the season."

Q: Do you think Kimi's in with a chance of winning the Drivers Championship this year?

PdlR: "Absolutely. Everybody is talking about Montoya and (Michael) Schumacher being the strongest contenders for the title chase but they've forgotten about Kimi and we have to remember that Kimi had two accidents in the start of the season and then he was leading in Nürburgring when he had an engine failure so if this hadn't happened, he would be leading the Championship by far. I think he has a fair chance and we also have to think that our car's reliability has been pretty impressive so that will count on his side."

-mclaren-