Raffaele Marciello from Racing Engineering and Ferrari welcomes us

In Austria, you scored your first points in GP2 in the best possible way with a podium finish in each of the two races. Are you relieved to have finally capitalized on the pace shown in qualifying?

« We are always trying to go faster. During the first three weekends, we had quite a bit of bad luck and a bit of inexperience. In Austria, we were finally able to show our true potential. During the qualifications, I could have done better. But in the end, I managed to secure two third places. So it was really a good weekend for us. »

Was having raced there last year in Formula 3 an advantage?

« Not really. Because I already knew Barcelona. Same in Bahrain, I had done the testing there. So I also knew those tracks. There was no difference. »

What made the difference compared to the first three weekends of the season?

« I think the main difference has been experience. During the first three weekends, we had a bit of everything: safety cars, bad pit stops, poor strategies, bad decisions. With experience in all areas of GP2, I can now do well. »

Did the timing of the announcement of your arrival at Racing Engineering have an impact on your start of the season?

« I was announced relatively late during the off-season, but I already knew them from last year’s trials, so I was able to work well with them from the start.

Arriving as the F3 champion in a team that had just won the GP2 title with Fabio Leimer, what were your objectives at the start of the season?

« I have always worked with very experienced teams. When I work with people who have experience, I feel good. Upon arriving here, I immediately saw that they are true professionals. So our collaboration is going very well. »

Now that your season is underway, what are your goals for the rest of the season, starting with this weekend at Silverstone?

« The objectives remain the same as at the start of the season. Before the weekend in Bahrain, I announced that I wanted to be in the top 3 by the end of the championship. Now, that’s still what I want. »

As a member of the FDA, are you involved with the F1 team program during race weekends, or are you 100% focused on GP2?

« I am a GP2 driver, not a Formula 1 driver, so why would I concern myself with F1? I am in GP2, so that is what I focus on. »

What does Ferrari’s support consist of in the context of your driver training?

« They help me in all aspects. They are by my side for the physical program. Similarly, they help me drive the car as best as possible. I have a Ferrari engineer who has been with me for three years. They really help me on a daily basis, especially since I live in Maranello. I work with them every day. »

Do you have exchanges with the other drivers of the FDA, notably Jules Bianchi who experienced GP2 before reaching F1?

« Not at all. We don’t talk about cars together! Every day, we’re busy with something. So when we get together, we want to enjoy the moment and talk about something other than cars. »

From our special correspondent in Silverstone