Liuzzi: “Quickly into the rhythm”

Vitantonio, with the ban on testing during the season, you have not driven much this season. How have you maintained your fitness?

We did a test in February but it was just a shakedown at Silverstone. We got the car quite late, so we were only able to do a test with the regular drivers to get them ready for Australia. I was then only able to do aero tests (in a straight line, editor's note), which you can't really call tests, but at least I got used to the system. I spent a lot of time with the team during the Grand Prix and competed in other races in A1GP and Speedcar.

How have the last two years been on the sidelines?

I felt very involved with the team but also with the improvements we made. Many developments have been made in the wind tunnel and I am very happy that the team is moving forward. At Spa, it was certainly a bit like a dream to be in pole position! For my part, it was not easy because this is the second year that I have been third driver. I think I was born to run and it?s difficult to watch races on TV. But deep down, I was confident about my chances of returning to the race and that motivated me.

You raced in A1GP this year.

I took part in the Portugal and Brands Hatch races. They were two fun events that allowed me to train. Even if it is not F1, we are above all pilots. So whether at the wheel of a Fiat 500 or an F1, we compete in races!

How does it feel to race at Monza again?

Monza is one of the historic circuits of the championship and it is in Italy. The atmosphere at Monza is extraordinary and when I won in F3000 in 2004, I felt something incredible. You are in the forest and you are driving at 330 km/h among the trees. When you walk around and look at the old bends it is very pretty and you feel the history.

What were your results in F1 here?

I raced twice, finishing 14th and 17th. For my team Toro Rosso, these were good results because we always had difficulty achieving a high top speed at Monza.

Don't you have some apprehensions about your ability to be fast after such a long absence?

I think I'm ready to get in the car because I've maintained my fitness. From this point of view, Monza will be perfect. If I had started in Singapore, it would have been more difficult because I don't know the circuit and everyone complained last year about the grueling side of the circuit. The speed is not a problem for me, I think we will quickly get into the rhythm.