Wand: “Contacts in F1”

Bertrand, you are titled even before the end of the season (the last round will be held at Motorland Aragon at the end of October) in Formula Renault 3.5 Series. What is your feeling ?

Concluding the championship at the Nürburgring was the best thing to do because no one knows the last track at Motorland Aragon. I am very happy with this. It wasn't easy because we had two difficult starts. During the second race, I attacked at the start but then I only needed to manage. So we will go to Aragon serene, relaxed.

This is the first championship you've won, it must be an incredible feeling?

Yes. In 2006, I was in the race for the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 title. I was four points behind first in the last round in Barcelona but this time I was in the lead and I didn't give up.

You are in your third season in the FR 3.5 Series, so you had no room for error. Did you feel any pressure?

It was clearly double or nothing. We must win the championship when we complete a third season in the same discipline. We already had the capacity last year. But unfortunately, due to various technical problems, we were unable to do so. This is why with International Draco Racing, we decided to do a third season together. We shouldn't have missed each other and we did!

The fact of having signed a new victory this weekend at the Nürburgring adds a plus to this title?

It’s definitely a plus. I'm still going to try to get a new one at Motorland Aragon. There will be no more issues for me. So I will arrive with one goal, that of winning. We will not arrive with sunglasses and shorts but with the desire to win.

You have one foot F1 now with the test planned at the end of the season for the winner of the FR 3.5 Series championship.

It's clear that this test day is a huge advantage, especially with the limitation of testing in F1. In addition, winning a recognized title is something that counts in negotiations with F1 leaders. It?s an important line in the prize list and it also helps in discussions with the teams. In any case, it’s something that comes up regularly. They tell me: ?win the title and we'll see afterwards.?

Do you already have any ideas for next season? Are you going to head to Formula 1?

It?s still a little early to talk about next season. We work a lot on this subject. My priority goal is F1. We have contacts and I am confident.