Jules Roussel, scorer of his first points in FRMET: "I see where I can push the limits."

Jules, the weekend went better for you, what are your takeaways after this second round in Abu Dhabi?

During the first practice session, I was in the top five. When we switched to new tires, I was still a little short, and I finished eighth. Qualifying, however, didn't work at all. I think my brake bias wasn't right. It made late braking difficult. I changed it for the race, and it worked much better immediately. I missed the qualifying opportunity again, but ultimately it was my first session with this car. I was hampered by a lack of experience, but I need to remember that for the next qualifying session.

You managed to come back in all three races despite everything, do you feel that you have found your feet with the Tatuus when it comes to fighting in the pack?

The starts were already a positive point of last weekend, but starting so far back is always tricky. On this track, overtaking remains difficult, yet we were still managing to gain at least six places each time. In race 2, I scored my first point, so from that perspective, it's very satisfying. It was a tricky race; it was raining! Many drivers had already raced in the wet in a Freca, but I hadn't experienced those conditions with this car. Finding the limits wasn't easy, but I was able to adapt quite quickly.

In race 2, it rained, which is unusual in Abu Dhabi! Were you prepared for that possibility?

In Abu Dhabi, it rains about four days a year, often at the end of the year. This morning, though, it rained quite a bit. Not for very long, but we had two downpours that soaked the track. Even in the evening, after the races, it rained harder again! In French F4, for example, out of six meetings, it only rained at Lédenon during the race. Here, we have two meetings and it's raining in Abu Dhabi!

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You scored your first point in this race, you moved up almost ten places on a wet track, how did you approach this event?

In the first few laps, I lost a bit of time. I think that cost me a few positions in my subsequent recovery. Once I found my rhythm, it went really well. Especially since this race has given me an even better understanding of where I can push the car's limits. Towards the end, it was more complicated because the drivers in front and behind me were on slick tires, and the track was drying. There was some uncertainty about the tires. The team suggested we start on slicks. I opted to push the limits during the formation lap, even if it meant gaining an early lead and then defending my position. The team had also set up the car very well for these conditions; everything was working perfectly.

Impressive comebacks and penalty-free battles, now we just need convincing results in the next two meetings?

I need to work on my performance. I've discovered new things with the car, and in my driving too, that are working well. The disappointing qualifying session didn't help my confidence, but I'll try to replicate what I did well afterwards in the upcoming races.

Next weekend will take place in Dubai, a very different circuit?

We'll have to get going very quickly. It's not the same type of track at all. It's not the opposite, but it's very different. In Dubai, it's much faster, it's longer, there are more straights… It could be a bit hotter, there's elevation change too. I've only driven on the simulator there, but we'll see for ourselves once we're there.