3 questions for Alessandro Giusti before the Formula 4 round in Pau

How do you analyze your first round at Nogaro (April 16-18), where you notably scored a podium in Race 3 (6th in C1, 6th in C2 and 3rd in C3)? 

I am clearly disappointed with my first round in Nogaro. I could have done everything better, apart from perhaps the Thursday practice sessions where I was at the front. I had to adapt to the brand new car (F4 France has a new Mygale in 2022). The engine is nice, you can really see the difference, but it behaves differently. For example, we had some slippage when re-accelerating turn 1 at Nogaro in 5th gear, so it was a bit complicated to manage. There could be some changes made to counteract this type of problem. The car is a lot less playful than last year's, it has a longer wheelbase so it corners a little less well too, and there is still a lot of natural understeer. Let's see how this evolves.

Driving in Pau is a special moment for a driver. Do you see it as a challenge? 

It's clear. I went for a reconnaissance trip in the car already… well it’s tight eh! (laughs) You have to be careful between the sidewalks, the manhole covers, and the white lines which you shouldn't have too much fun with if it rains. I obviously expect that the qualifying times will more or less determine the final order of the races. Qualifying is going to be important, especially since we only have twenty minutes of free practice before! 

You are 5th in the championship after the first round in Nogaro, but you are only three points behind second place. Is Pau already a small turning point in your mind?

Clearly. We will have to have a good meeting after losing points in Nogaro. I'm not worried about Magny-Cours next, because I know I'll have some pace. Same at Spa-Francorchamps and Le Castellet. In Valencia, I wasn't bad at all during the tests and in Lédenon, my pace was decent last year, so I have to have a good meeting this weekend.

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The program for the weekend in F4 France: 

Friday: qualification at 16:35 p.m.
Saturday: Race 1 at 8:50 a.m. and Race 2 at 15:40 p.m.
Sunday: Race 3 at 8:40 a.m.