Racing Engineering Mauricio Spanish F3 interview

Ricardo Mauricio, Racing Engineering's current leader in the 2003 Spanish Formula 3 Championship, which is to be decided this upcoming weekend at the Circuit of Barcelona, gives us an insight into his race preparation and reflects on the season so far. Not only at a test with the Nissan V6, but also throughout the entire season, the young Brazilian showed his outstanding qualities as a race driver. Five wins and four pole positions so far raised Ricardo into a well deserved first position in the championship and therefore make him the best choice for the title.

Ricardo, you showed a very impressive performance during the one-day test with Racing Engineering's Nissan V6, what else have you been doing since your victory in the last F3 race in Jerez?

As you mentioned I did test the Nissan V6. This has been a great experience for me. But apart from that, I mostly concentrated on the season's final race weekend in Barcelona and did a lot of training. After the race in Barcelona, with hopefully the title in my hands, I am looking forward to maybe having a great and successful 2004 in a higher category with Racing Engineering. But for this to happen, my team and I have to deliver a perfect performance and continue focusing on the victory.

How do you estimate your chances of becoming the 2003 Spanish F3 Champion?

Hopefully we can make it! However, it will be difficult with so many strong drivers and teams. But I have a very good team behind me, which gives me the best I can get. So let's just wait and hope for a brilliant weekend in Barcelona. As the first three in the championship are really close together, anything can happen.

You have two very strong competitors for the title in the Spanish F3 Championship, Garcia and Martin. How would you rate their chances?

I think it will be difficult as both are very strong and talented drivers with a lot of experience. I am sure it will not be easy at all, but I am there to give my best and will try to win both races. I really hope so, as I would love to dedicate this championship title to everyone at Racing Engineering, who did their best throughout the year, to my family and all the people who have supported me during my racing career.

Now that you have participated one entire season in the Spanish F3 Championship, what is your opinion of this championship?

I think it is a very strong and extremely well organized championship. Hopefully it will grow more with every year that goes by.

During this season you have spent a lot of time in Spain. What do you think about Spain, it's race tracks and the Spanish fans?

For me this is like my own country. It is a very nice place to live and the people are great and very friendly. I would love to live in Spain next season as well, as it is my home in Europe.

The Spanish race tracks are brilliant and perfect for working with a race car. You can see why many of the Formula 1 teams come to do testing in Spain, so I am not lying about this.

The Spanish fans are just like the Spanish people in general -- they are great! I really enjoyed this season in the Spanish F3 Championship! I had a lot of fun.

-re-