AP: Christian Jones - ZIC interview

Asian F3 driver Christian Jones interview

Australian driver Christian Jones is racing in the Asian F3 Series for the second year. He is the son of 1980 F1 World Champion Alan Jones. He is now in Zhuhai in preparation for the Asian F3 races this weekend during the Pan Zhujiang Delta Racing Festival. ZIC managed to interview him today.

ZIC = Zhuhai International Circuit; CJ = Christian Jones

ZIC: What is your impression of the Zhuhai International Circuit?

CJ: I have not driven around it yet. But so far, I see the facilities are good and everything is fine. I like Zhuhai, it is not far from Hong Kong where I have many friends. I hope they can all come over this weekend to give me some support.

ZIC: Last year you had a crash with John O'Hara at the last round, how is the situation now?

CJ: Well, that was just racing. I, and I think he also, have put it behind us. That was 2004 and we now race in 2005.

ZIC: Who are your biggest rivals for this weekend?

CJ: Ananda Mikola and John O'Hara. They drive for Three Bond and Toyota Team Tom's. But I have my own team and if I beat them it will give me extra satisfaction.

ZIC: Your father Alan Jones is in charge of the Australian A1 GP team and you drove the A1 GP car recently. How was it?

CJ: Yes, I drove it at Eastern Creek. That was a great experience. The car felt more like an F1 car with the paddle shifts, twice the horse power of an F3 car and no traction control. It had great fun. I really hope I can race it for Australia.

ZIC: What is your ambition this year?

CJ: Well, I really hope to become the Australian A1 GP driver. If I get to drive that then I will have to leave Asian F3. But A1 GP does not start until September so I will keep doing Asian F3 at least until then.

ZIC: Do you have to ban your father from attending your races like Nico Rosberg does? (Nico Rosberg's father is 1982 World Champion Keke Rosberg. Keke Rosberg is so anxious about his son's racing that Nico Rosberg decided to ban him.)

CJ: (Laughs). My father is the opposite of his father, he never comes, so I don't have to ban him. Actually I am hoping that he can come over this weekend!

-zic-