Bottas: Practice in the simulator

How did you get started in motorsport?
“I started when I was five years old karting on the Lahti trail? The previous summer, we went to see a race and I asked my father to try. Since I couldn't touch the pedals, my father told me to wait a year. At five years old, I did my first spins and I didn't stop. Every day, I asked my father to go to the circuit. It was a coincidence that we went to see this first race because we had no connection with this area. »

Has a driver made an impact on you since you became interested in motorsport?
“I would say Mika Häkkinen. He was the lead driver when I was growing up. I was a fervent supporter. Today, he is involved in the management of my career with Didier Coton and Toto wolff »

You were hired as third pilot Williams this season. What did you think of your visit to the factory?
" It is very impressive. The facilities are extraordinary. The premises are immaculate and the level of activity is intense as the new car is being assembled. On a human side, the atmosphere is very friendly. I believe that this is the consequence of a common goal for everyone. »

What is your program in 2010?
“I will drive for ART in F3 Euro Series and I will defend my title at the Masters. The Macau Grand Prix should also be in our plans. I will also spend a lot of time at the factory, working with the different offices and practicing in the simulator. I will be at Williams almost every day outside of my competition schedule. This is why I moved to Oxford. »

What are your objectives in F3 this year?
“I was a rookie in 2009 and I finished third in the championship. So I'm aiming for the title. It is also important for me to defend my Masters title. This is the greatest result of my career so far. »

When will you get behind the wheel of a F1 ?
“It will be in the simulator! I will also take part in the young drivers' test session and maybe I will have another opportunity. We will see. »