Peugeot Spider Cup Pau summary

Three questions to Fabien BARTHEZ

What will you remember most about your weekend in Pau?

"It's been a fabulous weekend! I'm tempted to say perfect even, but there's something boring about perfection and I certainly wasn't bored this weekend. Let's say 'almost perfect'!

"I was given a fantastic welcome by everyone at Peugeot Sport and I was made to feel comfortable at once. There's a great atmosphere in the team, so it would have been difficult not to have felt at home. I had never been to Pau before, so that was new for me, too, and I think the organisers do a terrific job staging a motor race through the town. I really enjoyed the atmosphere which was unique. The circuit itself is technically very demanding and the changing weather conditions didn't make it any easier. I thoroughly enjoyed the racing, with plenty of unforgettable moments and a few scares! The crowd, both in town and around the circuit, were great. OK, I was in demand all the time, but everyone was very courteous. It's nice to see that I haven't been forgotten."

How did you find driving the THP Spider Peugeot?

"The Spider is a genuine racecar. The seating position is really low down, so the impression is very different from the saloon car I raced at Nogaro earlier in the year. Since it's an open-top car, the impression of speed is very impressive. I can't really give you an expert opinion, though, because I've only just started racing and I haven't got enough experience to go into the finer details. I'm on a big learning curve at the moment. What I can say is that I enjoyed every minute of the racing here with this car and I would like to thank Peugeot Sport for this opportunity. These three days will be etched in my memory for a long, long time to come."

Can you see yourself in a new career in motor racing?

"I've always loved motor sport, but I view it as a pastime. I have no intention of taking it up professionally. What I find stimulating is the human aspect as much as the racing itself. It really is a privilege to experience such moments.

"The atmosphere in the paddock is very special, too. The spectators, drivers and mechanics all mix together without any problems. I was also given a warm welcome by the regular THP Spider Cup competitors, and some of them even gave me a few tips.

"I'm beginning to get to good feel for the world of racing and I feel comfortable in it. I have some more races planned, and why not again in a Peugeot?"

-credit: peugeot