IndyCar – Bourdais: “Leaving again next year without mental barriers”

Has this serious accident changed your approach to racing?

We clearly put certain things into perspective. And then, on the track, you have to relearn how to overcome certain small barriers. It's a combination of physical, mental and lack of riding. Everything is a little more difficult. We are, for example. a little less aggressive on the exit laps on cold tires. And it's going to take a little while to come back...

How important was it to return to competition as soon as possible after your crash?

I know myself and I know, having had good ones when I was younger, especially in Formula Renault, that it makes me lose a little confidence. It was therefore essential for me to be able to go through this transition phase, to start again next year without mental barriers, to no longer be on the reserve…

How do you plan towards 2018, with a change of aero kit?

We already know that the distribution of masses will be drastically different. All the weight that was concentrated at the rear will end up at the front. There will be significantly less downforce on the cars, therefore less drag, the cars will go faster in a straight line, we will brake sooner, and this should give the drivers more room to maneuver...

Discover Sébastien's full interview Bourdais in AUTO n°2133weekly, available now in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.