Exclusive one-on-one with Conor Daly

During this morning’s [Friday] practice sessions, you were only able to complete seven laps. What happened?

I was able to make two initial outings, and during my third attack lap, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor as I approached the hairpin! I got quite a scare, but fortunately, there are run-off areas at that spot. So, I was able to return to the pits.

Besides that, I don’t think we are so poorly placed. The car is good, there is a clear improvement compared to Bahrain. So we will see what happens for the rest of the weekend. I didn’t touch anything, so I should be able to participate in the qualifying this afternoon.

This week, you’ve just been officially signed for the entire GP2 season with Venezuela GP Lazarus, after an initial attempt during the Bahrain weekend. How did the discussions with this team unfold?

« We have found a good agreement with the team. We have the framework for the season. I don’t yet have everything I need for the season, but we are working on it. It will be difficult to get through the whole season; I still need a lot of support, but at least we have a good agreement with the team and we are working very hard to put everything in place. »

In early March, you seemed very pessimistic about your future…

Three months ago, if you had asked me what I was going to do this season, I wouldn’t have had any idea because I am not the master of my destiny since I don’t have sufficient funds. For a while, I thought I would be in IndyCar, at least for a few races, but the funds never came. Other drivers were preferred over me because of the funds they brought. That’s life, that’s auto racing at the moment.

But being here in GP2, having done this first race, working for the whole season, it’s fantastic. I am really thrilled to be here because it’s the best feeder championship in the world. It’s an extremely competitive championship, so it’s a great opportunity.

What are your goals for the season then?

« As a rookie, we want to score points, points, and more points. We want to surprise people, get on the podium, and win races. It’s my first season, so it will be a challenge. I’m going to do my best, and we’ll tally up at the end. »

After three seasons in GP3, you are moving to the next level. What major differences do you see between the two single-seaters and between the two categories?

« Cars are bigger, faster, and the races are longer. You must therefore raise your level of play. I learned a lot in GP3, especially when we switched from the first car to the new one, which is much faster. It was a big step forward, but I managed better with the new car than with the old one. Now, it’s necessary to progress again and especially learn to manage the tires because, really, it’s mostly about managing the tires. It’s all the more important in qualifying to make a good start and score points in the race. »

Will you focus exclusively on Europe and thus F1, or are you considering opportunities in IndyCar?

« I keep an eye on everything because I don’t have enough money for F1. If we find someone who is ready to fully support us, absolutely, I want to go to F1. When you see the current state of F1… GP2 champions haven’t been able to get into F1, which is really a shame.

Now, I have to look at what is possible because I want to make this my career. I want to be a professional racing driver. So from an economic and strategic perspective, I have to see how things unfold. F1 is a dream. I would love to be in F1, I would love to bring the United States back to F1 but I need support to do it.

Speaking of American races, last year you participated in the Indianapolis 500. Do you plan to do it again?

« This year, it won’t be possible but I would love to do it again because it was the most amazing experience of my life! I hope people can experience it in their lives because it’s absolutely fascinating! As a pilot, for any pilot, it’s truly extraordinary. If you say it isn’t, you’re a fool! We’ll see but today, I have no idea. »

Do you plan to participate in some Indy Light races?

« IndyLight, definitely not. If there’s something, it will be IndyCar. I would really like to do a few road races. There are several teams that would be interested. Maybe during the August break we have in GP2, there might be an opportunity, but nothing is set for now. Last year was the busiest year of my life and I didn’t think I would do everything I did. So who knows, it might be the same this year. Everything is open. »

You are no longer supported by Sahara Force India. Could you join another team program?

« Not really, no. At the moment, we don’t have anything formal. Obviously, we need to see how things go with the Haas project. It’s really great for F1. It’s really good that Gene Haas is involved in this project. I would love to work with these people. »

As an experienced American driver on European circuits, you seem to be a natural candidate for a seat within Gene Haas’s future American team. Have you already had discussions with them?

« Yes, for sure. I am convinced that if you want an American team, you need an American driver. I’m not saying that both drivers need to be American, but it’s certain that you need at least one. Saying that an American team doesn’t need an American driver is ridiculous! If you have an American team, you also need an American driver because the team and the driver go together! I would love to be involved in this group. I have tried to contact the right people but it’s a long journey. But in any case, I’m trying! »

You have indicated that you are interested in joining the future Formula E. Where are your projects in this area? Have you already had discussions with teams?

« Some teams have let me know that they are interested. It’s great that Andretti Motorsport is involved in this project because I know them well. We worked together a long time ago. There have also been signs of interest from other teams, which surprised me a bit. I’m not going to be a driver who brings money into such a project. So I hope that the teams will be able to find the money themselves, that they can find the big sponsors they think they can find. It’s exciting, the events are very cool. I think the cars have a lot of potential, but I don’t know how it will end. »

From our special correspondent in Barcelona