Andrea Kimi Antonelli, new FRECA champion: “On arrival, I started to cry”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, just crowned FRECA champion with Prema, talks about his season and his emotion at having won his best title in his young career.

What does it feel like to be FRECA 2023 champion?

It's an incredible feeling. It was a long season, we fought hard. We didn't have the best start, but we came back really strong and I really thank my team because they worked really hard. We have done a fantastic job, and to win the championship with a victory is very special.

What was your first thought when you crossed the finish line?

I started crying, to be honest. I was so happy, lots of emotions were coming at the same time. All the anticipation, all the pressure evaporated when I crossed the finish line, it was incredible.

What did you say to your team on the radio upon arrival?

I thanked them, I thanked my track engineer Benjamin [Constans], all my mechanics, but also Stephane [Guerin, operations manager for the team Mercedes Benz Junior] and Sergi [Ávila] who followed me this weekend. I told them thank you for all their work, not just for the race [this weekend] but for the whole year. We all work very well together, and this result is for them.

How difficult was the round at Zandvoort?

The weekend was difficult, especially because of the pressure. It was THE weekend where I could win the title. Driving under pressure was not easy but we worked well. The race itself was not easy with the weather conditions. But everything went well and I am very happy.

At what point this season did you realize you could become champion?

The key moment was at Paul-Ricard, when I took the lead in the championship after Race 2. Spending the summer break as leader was very important for me. From that moment on, we had a good dynamic, and we maintained it at each meeting. After Monza, I thought the championship could be played this weekend [at Zandvoort] with our advantage.

What were your highlights of the season?

Spa-Francorchamps, definitely, with my first victory which was very precious. Winning there was important for me, even if it was a terrible weekend for motorsport (with the death of Dilano van't Hoff, Editor's note). Paul-Ricard, Monza as well, because we left Italy with a lot of points. Above all, I would like to dedicate this championship to Dilano who left us at Spa. Since then, we have been racing for him and this title is also for him.

What was your main strength?

Consistency, in all conditions, was key. We had to collect as many points as possible over each weekend, even when we lacked a little pace.

The next step for Andrea Kimi Antonelli ?

I hope for good deals! But now I will already enjoy this title and from Wednesday we will be at work preparing for Hockenheim, because we are fighting for the team title. It will be important to end this season on a positive note.

Comments collected and provided by the PREMA team