Interview with Pierre-André Nicolas, Caterham Roadsport champion

At a time when precocity is in vogue in single-seater formulas, Pierre-André Nicolas chose an unusual path: entering the Caterham Challenge, one day in April 2014, without having competed in the slightest event in karting or F4. Despite a relatively low level of experience, the young twenty-year-old (he celebrated his 21st birthday this season) quickly progressed in the hierarchy. Fourth in the Roadsport class in 2016, the Montpellier native overcame his father and sister to win the national title a year later. Interview

How was your year 2017?
The season has been extremely satisfying. I felt comfortable on many circuits on the calendar, despite their technicality. At the start of the year, on the Alès track (Gard), I put myself at the forefront from the outset with a second and then a first place, before having an identical weekend on the traditional circuit of Charade (Puy-de-Dôme). This summer, we were treated to several fast tracks like Paul-Ricard (Var) alongside the Grand Prix Camions (twice 2nd), Albi (Tarn, 8th and 2nd) before going to Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) for the final at the end of September (3rd). It was fun to ride in the same place as the Formula 1 for the first time in my career.

What was the key moment of your season?
The decisive moment occurred on the side of Albi. I made a driving error which unfortunately caused me to lose places during the first round. I had to catch up in the second race, otherwise my championship was lost. I gave everything, I fought hard to get second place the next day. In the end, only 22 points separate me from the runner-up (Laura Chatelain), partly thanks to the bonuses collected with the best laps in the event.

Young drivers are used to racing in karting or in promotional formulas; This is not your case, how do you explain it?
I started in Caterham through family. My father Francis wanted to offer me a race on the Dijon circuit on my 18th birthday, in 2014. Since then, we have continued to come to meetings as a family. The Caterham is a beautiful car, with an interesting power-to-weight ratio (around 515 kg for 135 horsepower); It’s ideal for learning the basics of piloting. This season, I raced with my father and my sister, who finished 3rd and 2nd in the general classification. A family on the final podium is unique in motorsport.

Does it intimidate you to race against family members?
We obviously think about it, but rather than stressing me out, it adds a good dose of pleasure! It's stimulating, when I ride in front of my father and my sister I only want to beat them.

What are your plans for 2018?
I am guaranteed to participate in the top category of Caterham. Called “R300”, it is quite simply the most extreme version authorized on the circuit, with an engine pumped up to 175 horsepower and only 535 kilos. It also has a self-locking system and a six-speed sequential gearbox. It will certainly be more complicated to drive than the Roadsport, but with its increased cornering speed, I should have fun. We will have to be more vigilant behind the wheel, and also get back to physical preparation. As such, I would like to thank Driving Koncept for following and training me throughout the year.